Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the medical services provided by Devaki Maternity & Children Hospital ("Devaki MCH," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("patient," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

These terms apply to all patients, visitors, and users of our medical services, website, and facilities located at Near Bhavani Chowk, Manmad, Nashik, Maharashtra 423104.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our services and consult with our administrative staff for clarification.

2. Medical Services

2.1 Services Provided

Devaki MCH provides the following medical services:

• Maternity and obstetric care
• IVF and fertility treatments
• Pediatric and neonatal care
• Critical care and ICU services
• Emergency medical services
• Diagnostic and laboratory services
• Surgical procedures
• Outpatient consultations

2.2 Service Standards

We are committed to providing quality healthcare services in accordance with:

• Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines
• Government of Maharashtra healthcare regulations
• Indian Medical Association (IMA) standards
• National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS)

2.3 Service Limitations

Our services are subject to:

• Availability of medical staff and resources
• Patient's medical condition and requirements
• Applicable medical and legal restrictions
• Insurance coverage and payment arrangements

3. Patient Rights

As a patient at Devaki MCH, you have the following rights:

3.1 Medical Care Rights

• Right to receive appropriate and timely medical care
• Right to respectful and compassionate treatment
• Right to be informed about your medical condition
• Right to participate in treatment decisions
• Right to seek second medical opinion
• Right to refuse treatment (except in emergency situations)

3.2 Privacy and Dignity Rights

• Right to privacy and confidentiality
• Right to dignity and respect
• Right to personal safety and security
• Right to have family/representative present during care
• Right to spiritual and cultural considerations

3.3 Information Rights

• Right to receive clear information about treatment costs
• Right to access your medical records
• Right to receive discharge summary and instructions
• Right to be informed about hospital policies
• Right to lodge complaints and receive feedback

4. Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, you have the following responsibilities:

4.1 Medical Information

• Provide accurate and complete medical history
• Inform about current medications and allergies
• Report changes in your condition promptly
• Follow prescribed treatment plans
• Ask questions if you don't understand instructions

4.2 Behavioral Responsibilities

• Respect hospital staff, other patients, and visitors
• Follow hospital rules and visiting hours
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances
• Keep noise levels appropriate for hospital environment

4.3 Financial Responsibilities

• Provide accurate insurance information
• Make payment arrangements for services
• Pay bills in a timely manner
• Notify us of any financial difficulties
• Understand insurance coverage limitations

5. Billing and Payment

5.1 Payment Policies

• Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements are made
• We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payments
• Insurance claims will be processed as per policy terms
• Patients are responsible for deductibles and co-payments
• Payment plans may be available for expensive treatments

5.2 Insurance and Government Schemes

• We accept major insurance providers and government schemes
• Pre-authorization may be required for certain procedures
• Patients are responsible for verification of coverage
• Non-covered services require direct payment

5.3 Billing Disputes

If you have concerns about your bill:

• Contact our billing department within 30 days
• Provide relevant documentation for review
• We will investigate and respond within 15 working days
• Payment disputes do not affect emergency medical care

6. Privacy and Confidentiality

6.1 Medical Records Protection

• All medical information is kept strictly confidential
• Access is limited to authorized healthcare providers
• Information is shared only with patient consent or legal requirement
• Electronic records are secured with appropriate safeguards

6.2 Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following situations:

• With your healthcare team for treatment purposes
• For insurance claims and payment processing
• When required by law or court order
• For public health reporting (communicable diseases)
• In medical emergencies to ensure proper care

6.3 Patient Access to Records

• Patients have the right to access their medical records
• Requests must be made in writing with proper identification
• Copies will be provided within 15 working days
• Reasonable fees may apply for copying services

7. Informed Consent

7.1 Consent Requirements

Informed consent is required for:

• All surgical procedures
• Invasive diagnostic procedures
• Anesthesia administration
• Blood transfusions
• Experimental treatments
• High-risk procedures

7.2 Consent Process

• Doctor will explain the procedure, risks, and benefits
• Alternative treatments will be discussed
• Patient has the right to ask questions
• Consent must be voluntary and informed
• Consent can be withdrawn before the procedure

7.3 Emergency Situations

In life-threatening emergencies, treatment may be provided without explicit consent to save life or prevent serious harm.

8. Emergency Services

8.1 Emergency Care Commitment

• 24/7 emergency services are available
• Treatment is provided regardless of ability to pay
• Patients are triaged based on medical urgency
• Stabilizing treatment is provided before transfer if needed

8.2 Emergency Department Policies

• Medical emergencies take priority over scheduled appointments
• Wait times may vary based on severity of cases
• Family members may be restricted during critical procedures
• Discharge planning includes follow-up instructions

9. Complaints and Grievances

9.1 Complaint Process

• Complaints can be made verbally or in writing
• Contact our Patient Relations Officer
• All complaints are investigated promptly
• Response will be provided within 7 working days
• No retaliation for legitimate complaints

9.2 External Reporting

You may also report concerns to:

• Maharashtra Medical Council
• District Health Officer, Nashik
• Consumer Court for service-related issues
• National Human Rights Commission (for rights violations)

10. Liability and Limitations

10.1 Medical Malpractice

• We maintain professional liability insurance
• Medical malpractice claims must be filed within legal time limits
• Expert medical opinion required for malpractice cases
• Compensation as per Indian legal framework

10.2 Limitation of Liability

• Not responsible for pre-existing medical conditions
• Not liable for patient non-compliance with treatment
• Limited liability for complications from patient's undisclosed conditions
• Natural progression of disease is not medical negligence

10.3 Force Majeure

We are not liable for service disruptions due to natural disasters, government orders, strikes, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

11. Modifications to Terms

• These terms may be updated periodically
• Changes will be posted on our website
• Major changes will be communicated to existing patients
• Continued use of services implies acceptance of new terms
• Previous versions are available upon request

12. Governing Law

• These terms are governed by Indian law
• Disputes subject to jurisdiction of Maharashtra courts
• Nashik court has jurisdiction for legal matters
• Mediation preferred before litigation
• English language version prevails in case of translation disputes