In the United States, we have what is called the Patient’s Bill of Rights. This ‘bill’ set standards of care and expectations for patients  whether they’re in a hospital, seeing a doctor at their local doctor’s office, or placed in a long-term care facility or nursing home. Did you know that other countries also have similar standards regarding patient care and the right of patient’s around the world?

Look up these documents on patient’s rights, found on the WHO (World Health Organization) website:

• Patient’s Charter (Hong Kong)
• Patient’s Rights Act (Israel)
• Patient’s Ombudsman (Japan)
• How to Enforce Patient’s Rights (Hungary)
• Patient’s Rights (Malaysia)
• The Royal Marsden Hospital  Patient’s Charter (UK)
• American Hospital Association Patient’s Bill of Rights (US)
• Le Service Public de L’Accès du Druit) France
• International Digest of Health Legislation, 50 (Denmark, Turkey, Lithuania)
• The Patient’s Rights Charter (South Africa)

As you can see, countries around the world take patient care and treatment seriously. Nearly every country in the world has a document/charter/act/law defining the rights of patients in a variety of caregiving scenarios, as well as for those who are mentally challenged or disabled.

When looking for treatment abroad, look for hospitals and facilities accredited by the JCI (Joint Commission International) whenever possible. The accreditation is voluntary, not mandatory. Besides JCI accreditation, look for qualifications and certification and transparent information regarding the history of doctors, surgeons and success rates of specific procedures in the country you’d like to visit.

For more information about patient advocacy, quality and continuity of care, visit PlacidWay.com, an international medical provider based in Denver, Colorado.