International Patients’ Rights are among the most important issues that healthcare tourism stakeholders are obliged to observe.
Many of these regulations are common in the destination countries of health tourists. In this section, we will examine the laws and rights of international patients in Iran.
Right of Access to Information
Every patient has the right to receive complete and sufficient information regarding the nature of the disease, the cause, the provisional/confirmed diagnosis, proposed treatments, and possible complications, in a language fully understandable to the patient.
Right of Access to Medical Records and Reports
The patient or their companion has the right to access the original/copies of medical files, patient records, and treatment reports during hospitalization, within 24 to 72 hours after discharge.
Right to Protection of Patients Required to Undergo Clinical Trials
Every person/patient who is required to undergo clinical trials has the right to receive appropriate care. All clinical trials must be carried out in accordance with the protocols and guidelines issued by the relevant organizations. This section includes the following:
The participation of patients in clinical trials must always be based on informed consent and only after receiving all relevant information. The patient must be given a copy of the signed informed consent form, which contains the initial records of information regarding the clinical trials.
The patient’s right to accept or refuse participation in a clinical trial must be respected, and refusal must not affect routine care. The patient has the right to be informed in writing about the name of the drug/intervention along with the date, dosage, and duration of administration during the trial. Throughout the trial, the patient’s privacy must be protected, and any information collected from them must be kept confidential.
If the patient suffers from any adverse effects during the clinical trials, they have the right to be placed under medical supervision regardless of whether it is related to the clinical trial, until it is determined that the harm is not related to the trial. In addition, financial support or other assistance must be provided as compensation for damages and disabilities. In case of death, the patient’s dependents have the right to compensation.
Institutional mechanisms must be established to provide insurance for illnesses related or unrelated to clinical trials (ancillary care) and to grant compensation through the relevant ethics committee. After the trial, the patient must be assured access to the best possible methods of treatment.
Right to Confidentiality, Human Dignity, and Privacy
All patients are entitled to the preservation of their privacy and dignity. Physicians and healthcare providers are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of all information related to a patient’s health status and treatment plan, except under exceptional circumstances where disclosure is required for the benefit of the patient, the protection of others, or in accordance with public health considerations.
Right to a Second Medical Opinion
Every patient has the right to seek a second medical opinion from a specialist of their choice. The hospital administration shall respect this right and is obliged to provide the patient’s medical records and all necessary information to the patient or their representatives, without imposing any additional costs or unnecessary delays.
Right to Transparency in Tariffs and Care in Accordance with Established Rates
All patients and their representatives have the right to clear and comprehensive information regarding the tariffs applied by the hospital for any type of service or facility. Patients are also entitled to receive a detailed and itemized statement of charges at the time of bill settlement.