The Parliament is currently examining a fresh healthcare services bill designed to revise Rwanda’s health laws, which were last updated in 1998. This potential legislation includes modifications focused on enhancing accessibility, protecting patients’ rights, and overseeing contemporary medical procedures.
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In this article,
The New Times
breaks down the legislation into 10 main points, potentially leading to significant transformations in Rwanda’s healthcare industry.
1. Teenagers obtain access to healthcare related to reproduction
The suggested legislation would permit teenagers as young as 15 to independently choose reproductive health services. At present, although youths are entitled to receive reproductive healthcare, they lack the authority to make specific choices until reaching the age of 18.
This alteration would grant adolescents the independence to obtain services such as contraceptives without needing permission from their parents or guardians, tackling an issue that advocates argue exposes young individuals to the risk of unplanned pregnancies.
2. Simplifying the legal structure
Healthcare legislation in Rwanda is dispersed among multiple regulations. The proposed bill aims to streamline these by integrating essential laws, such as those concerning reproductive health and medical accountability. This consolidation will facilitate compliance for healthcare providers and enhance patient understanding of their rights.
3. Oversight of reproductive technologies
Should the legislation be enacted, Rwanda will formally start regulating Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including procedures like in-vitro fertilization, embryo donation, and surrogacy. While these services would be allowed, they would come under stringent regulations.
Couples facing issues with fertility and conception will exclusively have access to donated embryos or gametes, as well as surrogacy services. Additionally, the legislation sets up a board to oversee assisted reproductive technology procedures ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines.
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Appointed by the Ministry of Health, this committee will monitor ART services across the country to protect patients, safeguard the rights of surrogates and donors, and build trust in these advanced medical technologies.
4. Informed patient consent and the option to decline treatment
The legislation upholds the idea that patients possess the authority to either accept or decline medical treatments. Individuals retain the option to revoke their consent whenever they wish, and it is mandatory for healthcare providers to honor this decision.
In emergencies, however, a board of three physicians may authorize treatment without the patient’s consent to preserve life, with such approval needing documentation.
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5. Protection of medical confidentiality and patient consent
This legislation enhances patient confidentiality by restricting the sharing of medical data to particular circumstances like obtaining patient approval, addressing public health crises, or complying with judicial directives.
Healthcare providers are also required to give patients clear, written information before any procedure, including experimental treatments.
6. Digital health
This legislation encourages the adoption of digital health solutions like electronic medical records and interconnected data platforms. The objective is to enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals, minimize mistakes, and increase access to care, particularly for those in remote regions.
7. Ensuring Safety for Mothers and Newborns
To guarantee safety in maternity units, the legislation mandates assigning each newborn a distinct identifier that connects with their mother’s medical records. If a pregnant woman passes away at 22 weeks or later, healthcare providers must try to deliver the baby within six hours whenever there is potential to preserve fetal life.
8. Guaranteeing equity in reproductive healthcare
This suggested legislation is designed to guarantee equitable access to reproductive health care for all individuals, irrespective of their origins or situations. The bill prohibits prejudice and detrimental procedures and mandates that medical professionals provide guidance, uphold privacy, and document treatments precisely.
9. Handling the deceased
Hospitals and medical institutions will have to adhere to more rigorous protocols for handling deceased individuals. Under the suggested legislation, crucial information such as the individual’s name, age, reason for death, and the physician who certified it must be accurately documented.
The facilities must maintain bodies via embalming and regular inspections to avoid decay.
10. Instructions for Releasing Bodies to Families
This legislation outlines specific procedures for moving remains from funeral homes to family members after death. Prior to releasing the body, a medical practitioner needs to authenticate the individual’s identity through documentation and an exclusive identification code. The next step requires relatives to examine and acknowledge the corpse prior to taking possession.
In cases where no one claims the bodies, medical institutions are allowed to arrange for burials following a 21-day announcement period and informing the appropriate investigating entities.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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