Patient sues hospital over CCTV cameras in consulting room

A patient, Gifty Amoakowaa has initiated legal action against a healthcare provider, Peace and Love Hospital, challenging the installation of CCTV cameras in medical consultation and examination rooms used for physical breast examinations, citing it as a violation of her fundamental rights.

According to a formal notice filed before the High Court, the applicant is seeking the enforcement of her fundamental human rights, including the right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality within the doctor-patient relationship.

Allegations of Rights Violation

The applicant contends that the installation of surveillance cameras in rooms designated for sensitive physical examinations constitutes a breach of her right to privacy and dignity, as enshrined in Articles 15 and 18(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

She further argues that the practice violates the confidential nature of the doctor-patient relationship, protected under Section 167 and the Sixth Schedule of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) — specifically, the Patients’ Charter.

The suit also cites psychological trauma, emotional distress, and continuous apprehension suffered by the applicant as a result of what she describes as an unjustifiable intrusion into her private medical experiences.

Reliefs Sought

The applicant is requesting the court to issue several declarations and orders, including:

• A declaration that the use of CCTV in breast examination rooms is unlawful and infringes on her constitutional rights;
• An order for the immediate removal of all CCTV cameras from consulting and examination rooms in all facilities operated by the respondent;
• A directive that the healthcare provider delete and refrain from storing or disseminating any footage related to the applicant;
• General damages for psychological and emotional harm caused by the breach;
• An award of legal costs associated with the application.

The notice emphasises that the application is made in reliance on the grounds set out in the accompanying affidavit, and that the applicant reserves the right to seek any additional orders the court may deem just and appropriate.