To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of medical negligence in India, patients can take several precautionary and proactive steps: Choosing the right healthcare provider • Select qualified and licensed doctors and hospitals with good reputations. • Check credentials, specialization, and experience relevant to your treatment. Communication and documentation • Clearly explain your symptoms, medical history, and allergies. • Ask questions about proposed procedures, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes. • Keep written records of prescriptions, test reports, consent forms, and discharge summaries. Informed consent • Always sign an informed consent form before surgeries or invasive procedures. • Make sure you understand what the procedure involves and its possible risks. Second opinions • For major surgeries, complex treatments, or uncertain diagnoses, seek a second medical opinion. Monitor treatment • Track medications, follow-ups, and post-procedure instructions carefully. • Report any unusual symptoms or complications promptly. Legal awareness • Know that under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and medical regulations, gross negligence is actionable. • Retain all documents and evidence in case of disputes. Patient rights • Indian hospitals must provide medical records on request, free or at nominal cost. • You can approach hospital grievance cells, State Medical Councils, or Consumer Courts if negligence is suspected.

Dear Client, Prevention of medical malpractice is up to you as the patient. You can greatly reduce your risk by taking proactve steps before, during, and after a medical procedure or at your health care visit. Before Your Appointment Research your health care providers. Do not just go with the first name that comes up. Look into their credentials, experience and reputation. We recommend you choose a hospital and a doctor which has the most experience with your specific health issue or procedure. You may research a doctor’s board certifications and disciplinary history through state medical licensing boards. Sure thing. Before your appointment make a list of all your symptoms, health issues which you have and questions that you have. Also put together an in depth report of what medications you are on which should include prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and supplements. Also be open and honest about your medical history and lifestyle. Bring along a Friend. It is a good idea to take a trusted friend or family member with you to health care visits. They will be able to hear the doctor’s instructions which may go in one ear and out the other, ask questions which you may forget to ask, and also take notes. Also this is a great idea if you are not yourself or very anxious. During Your Appointment Communicate Openly. With your health care team report all of your symptoms which may seem small in the scheme of things. Don’t hesitate to ask what you may which in turn will clarify your diagnosis, treatment options, and medications. Also put forth that which procedures you are to have are they risky what are the benefits and also what are other treatment alternatives. Sure Medication for You. At the start of a new drug regimen ask your doctor or pharmacist on . What the medicine is for. The right dose and how to take it (e.g. with or without food). What to watch out for and what is to be done if they occur. What drug interactions do your current medications have. Ensure that you give Informed Consent. At the start of any procedure, and especially before surgery make sure we have gone over all the risks, benefits, and options in a health way for them to understand and they have agreed to go ahead. After Your Appointment or Procedure Keep a health dossier. Have at hand your own health file which includes copies of all medical reports, test results, prescriptions, and a log of your appointments. This is very useful when you go to see a new doctor or at a later time if you question the care you received. Follow the Doctors’ Orders and Call in for Clarity. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for at home care, if something is unclear or you develop a new symptom do not wait to call us. In some cases what we don’t hear from is not a good thing we encourage you to follow up to confirm that all of your test results have been received. Trust your instincts and seek out a second opinion. If you have a gut feeling that something is off with a diagnosis or treatment plan, get a second opinion from a different qualified health care provider. Also this is very important for serious or complex conditions. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!