In the letter, the doctors emphasize that trust forms the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship and that maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle of medical ethics. Patients must be absolutely certain that the information they provide to a doctor will not end up in other hands.Neeme Tõnisson, President of the Estonian Medical Association, stated that the current situation—where the police and other state institutions can access patient information—is unacceptable and undermines trust in the entire healthcare system. Patient confidentiality must remain intact even after the information has been entered into the database.The health information system and its administrator, TEHIK, operate under the authority of the Minister of Social Affairs, who is responsible for data security. The Medical Association has called on Joller to block access to patient information via other government systems unless the patient has given their consent. However, in cases where access is required under the exceptional circumstances defined by law, it must be authorized by a court order.Joller noted on social media that the Medical Association is pushing at an open door- the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs is already preparing legislative amendments to be submitted to the government soon, a fact the Association is well aware of. The Minister emphasized that TEHIK has done nothing wrong and is acting in accordance with existing laws. Meanwhile, the police and the Border Guard—whose personnel have at times requested health system data without sufficient legal grounds—have reportedly already put an end to this practice.The Minister stressed that no matter how good a system is, the weak link is people, and this is where the Medical Association’s involvement is needed. She wished to specifically address medical professionals who share patient information on social media, adding that the Association must remind its members that sharing patient information at conferences, training sessions, or elsewhere requires the patient’s written consent. This consent must specify where, when, and how the information will be used. She also wished to remind everyone that a doctor is not even permitted to disclose that a specific individual is their patient.Read also: Latvian health minister unsure whether 30% pay rise for healthcare workers can be achieved next year
Patient confidentiality in Estonia – a bone of contention between the minister and medical professionals · BNN
