Dr. Vimal Kant Goyal

01/09/2025

Is it Obligatory for Hospitals to Provide Copy of the Case Record to Patient or Legal Representative?

Yes, Doctors and hospitals are legally bound to provide a copy of the case/medical record to the patient or their legal representative within 72 hours of an authorized request.

📜 As per the Indian Medical Council (Professional Ethics, Etiquette & Conduct) Regulations, 2002 (notified on 11th March 2002 & amended up to December 2010), doctors must:

👉Maintain patient medical records properly
👉Provide access to patients or their legal representatives

💡 Your health records are your right – always ask for them when needed.

29/08/2025

🗂️ How to Destroy Medical Records?

Proper disposal of medical records is crucial to maintain confidentiality.

✅ Publish public notice (1 English + 1 local newspaper, with 1-month time limit)
✅ After 1 month, destroy records.

❌ But do not destroy if:
🔹 Case is ongoing or in pre-litigation
🔹 Future disputes are likely
🔹 Patient is mentally ill

📌 Always follow ethical & legal guidelines while handling patient records.

28/08/2025

How Long Should Medical Records Be Maintained?

According to Medical Council of India ( MCI ) guidelines:

📄 Patient Records: 3 years
👶 Birth & Death Patient Records: 25 years
⚖️ Litigation Cases: 2 years after final disposal
📑 PCPNDT Records: 2 years
📝 MTP Records: 5 years

It’s always better to maintain records for longer in digital form for easy access & safety.

27/08/2025

🙏 Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! 🙏

May Lord Ganesha shower His blessings upon you—bringing good health, wisdom, and mindful awareness to safely navigate life’s personal and legal journeys. 🌿⚖️

26/08/2025

⚖️ Can a Medical Accident be Termed Negligence?

In Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab ( SC/0457/2005: (2005) 6 SCC 1 ) the supreme court of India observed:

✅ Mere accident is not evidence of negligence

The Court clarified that

✅ A Difference of opinion or error of judgement cannot be termed negligence
✅ Adverse drug reactions and complications, in themselves, are not proof of medical negligence

👉 Not every medical mishap qualifies as negligence. Context matters!

25/08/2025

⚖️ Legal Safety in Healthcare 🏥

In critical cases, always seek expert advice, get a second opinion, ensure timely referrals, and uphold patient rights—because medico-legal compliance protects both patients & professionals.

Seek Second Opinions, Stay Protected.

23/08/2025

🔎 Why Forensic Knowledge Matters in Medico-Legal Cases

Forensic medicine does more than investigate—it uncovers the truth.

✔️ Reveals the real cause of injury or death
✔️ Differentiates between natural & unnatural causes
✔️ Preserves evidence with ethical responsibility
✔️ Strengthens justice with expert testimony

⚖️ Where science supports the law, justice becomes stronger.

Dr. Vimal Kant Goyal is a senior and respected pediatrician in Delhi with 35 years of expertise in child healthcare.

21/08/2025

🚨 Did You Know?

Every case of suspected or confirmed poisoning is legally treated as a medico-legal case.

👉 The doctor or hospital is bound to inform the police immediately.
👉 Failure to report such cases can invite serious legal consequences for both the doctor and the institution.

✔️ Awareness of medico-legal duties is essential for every healthcare professional.

19/08/2025

Effective Communication Strategies

Following are non-verbal forms of communication doctors employ when they meet their patients:

💠 Maintaining an open, attentive posture
💠 Offering a warm handshake or gentle touch
💠 Using calm, open body movements
💠 Smiling & showing empathy
💠 Speaking in a steady, caring tone
💠 Avoiding haste to make patients feel valued

These subtle gestures create trust, comfort, and a stronger healing bond.

18/08/2025

Facing allegations of medical negligence?
Stay composed and act wisely.

✅ Stay calm & professional
✅ Never alter records
✅ Inform the hospital administration and your indemnity insurance company
✅ Seek legal counsel
✅ Keep all documentation organized
✅ Maintain strict confidentiality

Your actions in the first moments matter most.

15/08/2025

🌸✨ This Janmashtami, open your heart to devotion and walk hand-in-hand with duty. Let the timeless wisdom of Lord Krishna guide you towards truth, righteousness, and inner peace. May his blessings fill your life with joy, strength, and harmony. 🙏💛

14/08/2025

This Independence Day, let’s honor the freedom to receive informed, respectful, and legally protected healthcare—because true liberty includes the right to be cared for with dignity.💙