Right to Medical Records in Pakistan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law editorial team. Sources: pakistancode.gov.pk, Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan provincial codes, Supreme Court of Pakistan, FBR, EOBI, SBP, NEPRA, OGRA, PMDC, FIA, and provincial Healthcare Commissions. Provincial variations cite Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan Acts and ICT-specific ordinances. Written in plain English with everyday Urdu legal terms (FIR, qabza, khula, NTN, CNIC) for a general audience — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Your records belong to you. Not to the hospital, not to the doctor, not to the billing department. Hospitals can charge a small copying fee (Rs 50 to Rs 500 is typical), but they cannot withhold the file because of a disputed bill. That is itself a regulatory offence under provincial Healthcare Commission service standards.
What you can request:
- Inpatient discharge summary.
- Operation theatre notes (OT records).
- Investigation reports (lab, radiology).
- Treatment notes, medication chart.
- Consent forms.
For deceased patients, next of kin can access records on production of death certificate and proof of relationship.
For government hospitals, the federal/provincial Right of Access to Information Acts provide a parallel route — formal RTI request with prescribed fee, response within 10–30 days.
When does it apply?
- You need your medical records for ongoing treatment, second opinion, insurance claim, or legal action.
- You're a relative of a deceased patient seeking records.
- A hospital has refused or delayed providing records.
What to do to get your medical records
- Submit a written request to the hospital's Medical Records Office. Most hospitals have a one-page form.
- For deceased relatives, attach death certificate and CNIC + proof of relationship.
- Pay the prescribed fee (verify it's notified).
- For delays beyond 7 days, escalate to the hospital Medical Superintendent, then to the Healthcare Commission.
- For government hospitals, use RTI Act if delays persist.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept "clear bill first" as a precondition. Records are independent of billing.
- Don't accept summary statements when you've asked for full records. Insist on complete copies.
- Don't lose original certified copies — they're hard to get reissued.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hospital withhold records over unpaid bills?
No. Records are independent of billing. Provincial Healthcare Commissions have repeatedly held that withholding records to leverage payment is itself a regulatory offence.
How long should I get my records in?
Most hospitals provide within 3–7 days. For complex requests, 14 days. Beyond that, escalate to MS and HC. RTI Act applies to government hospitals with statutory timelines.
Can I get records of a deceased relative?
Yes — on production of death certificate and proof of relationship. Spouse, children, parents typically have unhindered access.
When does right to medical records apply?
You need your medical records for ongoing treatment, second opinion, insurance claim, or legal action.You're a relative of a deceased patient seeking records.A hospital has refused or delayed providing records.
How do I get my hospital records in Pakistan?
Submit a written request to the hospital's Medical Records Office. Most hospitals have a one-page form.For deceased relatives, attach death certificate and CNIC + proof of relationship.Pay the prescribed fee (verify it's notified).For delays beyond 7 days, escalate to the hospital Medical Superintendent, then to the Healthcare Commission.For government hospitals, use RTI Act if delays persist.
What mistakes should I avoid with right to medical records?
Don't accept "clear bill first" as a precondition. Records are independent of billing.Don't accept summary statements when you've asked for full records. Insist on complete copies.Don't lose original certified copies — they're hard to get reissued.