A signboard stating “Media Persons Not Allowed” was reportedly found displayed outside the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bicholim, on Tuesday morning sparking outrage among local journalists and media associations. If media is not allowed in hospitals and other medical facilities it will obviously raise questions about transparency and the right of the media, which is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy, to access public health institutions. However, the government clarified on the very same day that only photography and videography are prohibited inside hospital rooms and not the entry of media persons into hospitals. On the flip side, in hospitals, patient privacy is a fundamental aspect of ethical and legal practice, ensuring that personal and sensitive health information is protected. Healthcare providers are legally and ethically bound to maintain patient confidentiality. There are certain sensitive areas in the hospital like the Operation Theatre, Casualty and Emergency Wards, Women wards, ICU, CCU and the like, which need additional privacy. It is prudent for relatives of patients to deposit their mobiles before entering such sensitive areas of the hospital if it is not being done. Patient privacy is paramount.
