​As the country marks Human Rights Day (21 March), a reminder to all South Africans about the sacrifices that characterised the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa, the News Bulletin delves deep into the Patients' Rights Charter, which aims to ensure the realisation of the right to access to health care services for all people in the country.
As guaranteed in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No 108 of 1996), the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is committed to upholding, promoting and protecting the right to health care services.
The Charter states that patients have the:
Right to respectful and dignified care: You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of your condition. 
Right to privacy and confidentiality: Your medical information is confidential and will only be shared with those who need to know, or with your permission. 
Right to make informed decisions: You have the right to be fully informed about your diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits, and to make informed choices about your care. 
Right to refuse treatment: You have the right to refuse any treatment or procedure, and to be informed of the potential consequences of your refusal. 
Right to access your medical records: You have the right to access your medical records and to request corrections if necessary. 
Right to complain: You have the right to make complaints or suggestions about your care without fear of reprisal. 
Right to know your rights and responsibilities: You have the right to be informed about your rights and responsibilities as a patient. 
Right to emergency care: You have the right to receive timely emergency care at any health facility that is open, regardless of your ability to pay. 
Right to participate in decision-making: You have the right to participate in decision-making on matters affecting your own health. 
However, these rights come with responsibilities and every patient or client accessing healthcare services at any healthcare centre needs to ensure that they: 
Provide accurate information: You have a responsibility to provide healthcare providers with accurate and complete information about your health history and current condition.
Follow treatment plans: You have a responsibility to follow the treatment plan and instructions provided by your healthcare providers.
Respect healthcare providers and other patients: You have a responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of healthcare providers and other patients.
Utilize the healthcare system properly: You have a responsibility to utilize the healthcare system appropriately and not abuse it.
Take care of your health: You have a responsibility to take care of your own health and well-being. 
Enquire about costs: You have a responsibility to enquire about the costs of treatment and/or rehabilitation and to arrange for payment.
Take care of health records: You have a responsibility to take care of your health records in your possession.
Advise healthcare providers of your wishes: You have a responsibility to advise healthcare providers of your wishes with regard to your death.
It is upon each and every patient accessing healthcare service to know their rights, however, equally important to uphold their responsibilities. It is this balance between rights and responsibility that help facilitate better access to health care services.