“Not Case Numbers, But Human Beings” - Human Rights Chief Calls for Patient Dignity

COLOMBO (News 1st); Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, emphasized the urgent need for a healthcare system that is not only administratively sound but morally accountable.

He stated that accountable healthcare is more than oversight—it is a moral compass. At its core, he said, lies a fundamental truth: “Patients have rights, and doctors have duties.”

Justice Dehideniya elaborated that patients have the right to be informed, to give consent, to understand their condition, the choices available, and the risks they may face. He stressed the importance of privacy and dignity, noting that patients should be seen not as case numbers but as human beings deserving of empathy.

He added, “Most importantly, patients have the right to trust—the belief that the surgeon standing over them is guided not only by skill but also by integrity and compassion.”

On the other side of the equation, he said, doctors carry responsibilities that go beyond treatment. “We have a duty to communicate clearly, to advocate tirelessly, and to continue educating ourselves—always in the best interest of our patients.”

Justice Dehideniya noted that accountable healthcare is where rights and duties meet, and that it is not about fault or blame, but about transparency, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to healing.