In Vietnam, is it permissible for a doctor to disclose patients' health status without permission?

In Vietnam, is it permissible for a doctor to disclose patients' health status without permission?

Pursuant to Article 8 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment in 2009 stipulating patients' rights to respect for privacy in Vietnam as follows:

1. To have their health status and private information given in their case history dossiers kept confidential.

2. The information referred to in Clause 1 of this Article may be disclosed only when so agreed by patients or for exchange of information and experience between practitioners directly treating the patients to improve the quality of diagnosis, care and treatment of patients or in other cases provided by law.

As regulations above, you have the right to ask your doctor to keep your health status secret. They shall not disclose these information without your permission.

What are doctors' obligations toward patients in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 36 of the same Law stipulating doctors' obligations toward patients in Vietnam as follows:

1. To provide timely first aid, emergency aid and medical examination and treatment for patients, except the cases specified in Article 32 of this Law.

2. To respect rights of patients, to be considerate and polite to patients.

3. To give counseling and provide information under Clause 1. Article 7. and Clause 1. Article 11, of this Law.

4. To equally treat patients, not to let personal interests or discrimination affect their professional decisions.

5. To request patients to pay only expenses for medical examination and treatment posted up under law.

Best regards!