Access to Medical Records
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
You have the right to access your own medical records:
- PDPA right of access: Under s21, you can request access to your personal data (including medical records) held by any organisation. The organisation must respond within 30 days.
- SMC guidelines: Doctors should provide patients with access to their medical records upon request. A reasonable fee may be charged for copying.
- HealthHub: Singapore citizens and PRs can access certain medical records (public hospital visits, lab results, medications, vaccinations) via the HealthHub app/website.
- Exceptions: Access may be refused if disclosure could cause serious harm to the patient's physical or mental health, or would reveal information about another person.
When does it apply?
- You want to review your medical records for any reason — second opinion, insurance claim, personal reference, or legal proceedings.
- This applies to records held by all healthcare providers — public hospitals, private clinics, specialists, dentists, etc.
What should you do?
- Submit a written request to the healthcare provider's medical records department.
- For public hospital records, you can also request through HealthHub.
- If the provider refuses, cite your PDPA right of access (s21) and escalate to the PDPC if necessary.
- You may need to pay a reasonable administrative fee — the fee should reflect actual costs, not be a deterrent.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept a refusal without explanation — the provider must state the reason if they deny access.
- Don't request another person's records without their consent or legal authority (e.g., Lasting Power of Attorney).
- Don't assume you can modify your records — you have the right to request corrections for factual errors, but not to alter clinical opinions or diagnoses.
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