First ever book on Law and Medical Ethics published

UPNG Executive Dean School of Law Professor Sam Kaipu, Acting VC Professor Cecilia Nembou, Executive Dean School of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor Nakapi Tefuarani and Senior Law Academic and Author Dr. Alfred Minei at the launch yesterday. *(Image: NBC News)*

A first ever book on Law and Medical Ethics and research in PNG was launched yesterday in Port Moresby.

The book authored by senior academic at the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Law Dr. Alfred Minei, explores the areas of legal protection of personal health with medical records and communication among others.

It is designed for the patients and individuals who want to know their rights to personal health information and legal protection, apart from medical practitioners and lawyers.

The book is also a first to be produced in collaboration with the two schools of Law and medicine and health Sciences.

Law and Medical Ethics was launched with the Fundamental Principles of Law book.

UPNG Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Cecilia Nembou commended the great research work done by Dr. Minei, culminating in these two books.

Professor Nembou stressed the need for more scholarly research from the University.

Executive Dean School of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor Nakapi Tefuarani who worked closely with Dr. Minei in this publication, described the book as a huge milestone and achievement for the school of law, the university and the country.

The first ever Laws and Medical Ethics research book helps the layman understand their rights when it comes to medical records and disclosure.

The newly published book is sold at K400 a copy. *(Image: NBC News)*

Author, Dr. Alfred Minei who has a background in Medicine and law, explained that no other person, a doctor, nurse or even your partner has the right to your personal medical information.

“Institutions like hospitals are now very careful. Even the doctors who are very specialized too are very, very careful. In fact, your personal information, health information is your information,” Dr Minei told NBC News.

“It is yours, no one else. Even if you go to the lab and get your blood tested, and the research will come out. The doctor will tell you what this is. But that's where it stops. You and the doctor only. The doctor cannot go elsewhere.

“The law is very clear. Not only in PNG, but other countries too. All over the world. And even if the doctor doesn't own that part of, you know, what's... So you as a patient, you have all the right to seek redress. In fact, it can be criminal or it can be civil.”

The book will be reviewed in two weeks’ time and are being sold for K400 each.