Inviolable trust

This refers to the letter ‘Culture shock’ (April 3, 2024) by Nasir Soomro. Though the writer might be surprised by the doctor-patient confidentiality practices in the US, he really should not be. Not revealing a patient’s personal medical condition or history, unless authorized to do so by the patient, is something that ought to be universal practice among medical professionals.

That the writer was taken aback by the strict adherence to this practice while visiting the US arguably points to a lack of professionalism among some in Pakistan’s healthcare system and an unserious approach towards privacy in general, particularly as it concerns close relatives and family.

Hakeemullah Chandio

Karachi