Kerala HC Directs Hospitals to Provide Emergency Care and Complete Medical Records
The Kerala High Court has directed that no clinical establishment should deny life-saving treatment to patients requiring emergency care, underscoring the responsibility of hospitals to prioritise patient welfare over administrative or financial concerns. The Division Bench emphasised that timely intervention in emergencies is critical and hospitals must act without delay to save lives.
In addition to emergency care, the court highlighted the importance of maintaining proper medical records. Hospital authorities are required to provide patients, upon discharge, not only the discharge summary but also all investigation reports and treatment documentation. This ensures that patients can retain complete records for future medical consultations and legal purposes.
The judgment reinforces patient rights and the ethical duties of healthcare providers, emphasizing that hospitals must adhere to both medical and administrative responsibilities. Legal experts note that this ruling strengthens safeguards for patients in Kerala, ensuring access to essential care and transparency in medical record-keeping.
