ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission has ruled in favor of Syed Majid Ali Shah, ordering Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore to release the complete medical records of his late brother, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah. The ruling follows a recent hearing focused on ensuring transparency and accessibility of essential patient information.
Syed Majid Ali Shah had requested the full medical file of his deceased brother, who was admitted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital on April 13, 2024, and passed away on April 16, 2024. Although he had received a summary of the treatment and prognosis, Majid sought access to the entire file, including doctors’ notes and details on the cause of death, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding his brother’s care and death.
During the hearing, Tahir Yaseen Qureshi, Law Officer for Sheikh Zayed Hospital, submitted a written response indicating that a summary of the patient’s treatment had been provided. However, Mr. Shah was dissatisfied with this partial disclosure and insisted on obtaining the full file. The Commission noted that the complete file had not been included in the written response, prompting further examination.
After reviewing the appeal and the written reply, the Commission found the hospital’s arguments against full disclosure unconvincing. It confirmed majid’s relationship to the deceased through his CNIC card, thereby establishing his right to access the complete medical records. The Commission deemed the request significant given the context of the patient’s death during treatment.
Consequently, the Commission has directed the Chief Executive Officer of Sheikh Zayed Hospital to provide a certified copy of the entire treatment file and the cause of death to both the Commission and the appellant within 10 days. This decision highlights the Commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public health matters and patient rights.
