Patient Rights & Responsibilities in Qatar

Respect, Dignity & Non-Discrimination

Patients have the right to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of age, gender, religion, or culture.

Patients have the right to receive healthcare services and treatment that are appropriate, competent, and delivered without unnecessary delay. 

Patients also have the right to receive essential physical, moral, and behavioral support from healthcare practitioners and caregivers.

Safety

Patients have the right to receive treatment in licensed healthcare facilities that comply with the healthcare practices established by the State of Qatar.

Patients have the right to receive care in a healthy, safe, and secure environment that maintains hygiene, infection prevention measures, and smoke-free policies in accordance with Qatar laws.

Patients have the right to receive ethical healthcare that is free from inappropriate behavior, abuse, or negligence.

Patients also have the right to be referred or transferred to another healthcare facility when medically required, or upon their request when medically permissible.

Information & Understanding

Patients have the right, upon request, to know the identity of their healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other professionals directly involved in their care.

Patients have the right to receive concise, complete, and easily understood information about their diagnosis, treatment options, possible side effects, complications, and any undesirable effects. Interpreter support may be provided when needed. If it is medically inadvisable to provide certain information directly to the patient, it may be given to the patient’s guardian, parents (in the case of minors), or legally authorized representative.

Patients have the right to request information about the healthcare facility’s service charges, payment methods, and the immediate or long-term financial implications associated with their treatment options.

Patients also have the right to request copies of their medical reports, including X-rays, diagnostic reports, and hospital discharge summaries, in accordance with the facility’s internal policies. If it is medically inadvisable to provide such information directly to the patient, it may be provided to the patient’s guardian, parents (in the case of minors), or legally authorized representative.

Participation in Care Decisions

Patients have the right to participate in decisions about their care and treatment, including the right to refuse treatment. The patient’s consent or refusal must be documented in the medical record.

Patients have the right to request a second opinion. 

They may also choose whether to participate in clinical training or medical research when permitted by regulations.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Patients have the right to have their personal information and medical records kept private and confidential. Medical information may only be shared with third parties with the patient’s permission, except when disclosure is required by official authorities upon formal request. In the case of minors, information may be shared with parents, guardians, direct caregivers, or legally authorized representatives.

Patients have the right to request the presence of a family member or a nominated support person during examinations and discussions related to their care.

Patients also have the right to privacy and respect during physical examinations and treatment.

Complaints & Feedback

Patients have the right to provide feedback and submit complaints if they are not satisfied with the care they receive.

Complaints may be submitted to the healthcare facility management and, if not resolved, may be escalated to the Government Health Communications Center (GHCC) at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the Fitness to Practice (FTP)/Department of Healthcare Professions.

Patients have the right to expect that complaints will be investigated thoroughly and that they will be informed of the outcomes.

Patients and their families play an important role in supporting safe and effective care. They are encouraged to follow medical guidance and work collaboratively with healthcare providers throughout their care.

Respect for Others

Patients are responsible for treating healthcare providers, staff, other patients, and public property with dignity and respect. Patients must also follow the healthcare provider’s internal policies and safety regulations.

Patients are responsible for respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others within healthcare facilities.

Information

Patients are responsible for providing healthcare providers, to the best of their knowledge, with complete and accurate information about their health and medical history, including current condition, past illnesses, hospital admissions, medications, and any other relevant health information.

Patients should ask questions if they do not understand any information, instructions, or health education provided by healthcare professionals.

Following Treatment Plans

Patients are responsible for cooperating with healthcare providers and following the instructions given for their care. Patients accept responsibility for the consequences of not following the recommended treatment plan.

Patients also accept responsibility if they choose not to follow treatment advice or make changes to their treatment plan without consulting the treating physician.

Patients are responsible for providing informed consent for procedures or treatments after receiving clear explanations about the treatment or procedure, including possible side effects, complications, and undesirable effects in a language they understand.

Keeping Appointments

Patients are responsible for keeping their scheduled appointments and notifying healthcare providers if they are unable to attend for any reason.

Patients should also wait for their turn patiently so healthcare providers can deliver care effectively to all patients.

Financial Obligations

Patients are responsible for fulfilling financial obligations related to healthcare services in a timely manner.

Patients are also responsible for providing accurate information related to insurance claims and cooperating with healthcare providers to arrange payment when necessary.