Health systems in transition : Uzbekistan

2.9 Patient empowerment
2.9.1 Patient rights
The 
Law on health protection
, outlining the legal framework for the Uzbek 
health system and setting out the rights and entitlements of patients, was passed 
by Parliament in 1996. Article 25 states that every citizen has the right to 
information on the state of their health, the required diagnosis and treatment, 

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outcomes, and possible risks or complications. This information should be 
provided directly to the patient. The information cannot be shared or used 
without the patient’s consent, except in cases in which:
•
  it is used with the aim of diagnosing or managing a medical condition;
•
  there is a danger of spreading infectious diseases;
•
  the information is required in the process of criminal investigations or 
court hearings;
•
  medical care is delivered to a person younger than 14 years and his or her 
parents or trustees will be informed;
•
  it is suspected that harm has occurred as a result of either an accident or 
illegal actions.
Whoever gains access to health information as a result of these exceptions 
(such as health professionals, police or judges) will be accountable for the 
disclosure of information for other than the mentioned reasons. 
Article 24 of the same law states that every patient has the right to choose 
a physician and health care delivery facility. All citizens are also entitled to 
preventive, medical and rehabilitative care, orthopaedic devices, and social 
support, including financial compensation when caring for ill and disabled 
persons on sick leave (Republic of Uzbekistan, 1996). Citizens have the right to 
refuse to receive medical care, except for conditions that pose a threat to others 
(Republic of Uzbekistan, 1996). All government health facilities are required to 
display Article 24 of the 
Law on health protection
 in an “Information corner”.
Patients seeking and receiving health care are legally entitled to:
•
  humane treatment by health and auxiliary staff;
•
  choice of physician and health facility;
•
  receive diagnostic and medical care in an environment that meets sanitary 
and hygienic norms;
•
  consultations with other specialists;
•
  confidentiality related to seeking care, state of health, or other information 
obtained in the process of diagnosis and treatment;
•
  access to a lawyer;
•
  compensation in cases when harm has been inflicted in the process of the 
delivery of medical care;

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•
  legal action when patients’ rights have been violated, either by 
complaining to the management of the institution, higher-ranking 
agencies in the hierarchy of the health system, or directly to the court.