CONFIDENTIALITY IN HEALTH CARE- REFLECTING ON THE RIGHTS OF COVID 19 PATIENTS

Abstract

One of the rules regarding medical practice in Nigeria is the obligation to protect patient’s confidentiality and privacy. This is an ethical as well as a legal duty incumbent upon medical practitioners for the benefit of the patients. This obligation is sacrosanct and aims at the protection of the patients, as well as maintain patient – physician relationship based on trust. Currently, questions begging for answers and raising controversies in the country are: Firstly, whether physicians’ obligation not to disclose patients’ confidences is absolute? Secondly, if the identity of patients diagnosed with the recent Coronavirus can be disclosed to help warn the public of the impending danger? Finally, whether the news of the virus (COVID-19) in the country is a scam or a reality? These are the crux of this research. This paper attempts an answer to these trifling issues boggling the minds of millions of Nigerians. In addition, look at the position of human rights in disclosing patient’s confidential information. The methodology is doctrinal while the approach is analytical. Reliance is placed on both primary and secondary data. Primary data consists of case law, law reports, statute, international conventions and treaties. Secondary data include constitution, journal articles, internet posts, newspapers and so forth.