Doctors to keep records of HIV patients for three years

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has issued guidelines for all private medical practitioners across the country to keep records of HIV patients visiting them for treatment.

The guideline comes after a sgnificant rise in complaints related to negligence in treatment of HIV-positive patients in private establishments. The order (MCI-211(2) 2010/ethics /Gen 33690) states that if a request is made by relatives of an HIV-positive patient for medical records,the private practitioner is bound to provide them details within 72 hours. If he fails to do so,his registration will be cancelled under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct,Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002.

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According to the circular,the private practitioner has to keep the medical records of an HIV-positive patient under his supervision for at least three years.

A majority of city-based private doctors,however,said they were not aware of such a circular. Dr S N Banerjee,director of medical education,said an awareness campaign for doctors will be conducted in the state.

The state health department is responsible for generating awareness about such circulars being by the MCI.