Legal Protection and Rights for Healthcare Professionals under the Health Law

With the introduction of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, healthcare professionals can now perform their duties with greater confidence. This new law focuses on enhancing legal protection for those in the medical field.

The Health Law clearly states that medical and healthcare workers who follow professional standards, service protocols, operational procedures, and ethical guidelines are entitled to legal protection.?

Article 273(1)(a) of the Law specifically says: "Medical and healthcare professionals are entitled to legal protection while practicing, as long as they follow professional standards, service protocols, operational procedures, ethical guidelines, and meet patient needs."

The law also guarantees several key rights for healthcare workers, such as:

• Legal protection while performing their duties.
• Access to complete and accurate information from patients or their families.
• Fair wages and allowances in accordance with regulations.
• Workplace safety and health protection.
• Access to health and employment benefits.
• Protection from any treatment that violates human dignity, morality, or cultural values.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• The right to refuse demands that conflict with service standards or ethical guidelines.

In addition to their rights, healthcare professionals are also required to:

• Provide care according to professional standards and ethics.
• Obtain consent from patients or their families for treatments.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Keep detailed records of the care provided.
• Refer patients to other competent healthcare providers when necessary.
• Provide emergency care in critical situations or during disasters.