In Vietnam, is personal information of patients infected with gonorrhea kept confidential when having treatment?
Is personal information of patients infected with gonorrhea kept confidential when having treatment in Vietnam? Do patients have the rights to refuse to use drugs from the hospitals? 
Hello Lawnet. I would like to remain anonymous. I found out that I infected with gonorrhea a few days ago. Now, I plan to go to the doctor but I am afraid that my identity will be revealed, which might affect my honor. I would like to know if the hospital keeps the patients' personal information confidential? Thanks for your advice.
<subquestion>Is personal information of patients infected with gonorrhea kept confidential when having treatment in Vietnam?</subquestion>
Pursuant to Article 8 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment in 2009 stipulating rights to respect for privacy of patients in Vietnam as follows:
1. To have their health status and private information given in their case history dossiers kept confidential.
2. The information referred to in Clause 1 of this Article may be disclosed only when so agreed by patients or for exchange of information and experience between practitioners directly treating the patients to improve the quality of diagnosis, care and treatment of patients or in other cases provided by law.
As regulations above, hospitals shall keep personal information of patients given in their case history dossiers confidential. Hospitals shall only share those information when patients allow them to do so.
<subquestion>Do patients have the rights to refuse to use drugs from the hospitals?</subquestion>
Pursuant to Article 12 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment in 2009 stipulating rights to refusal of medical treatment and discharge from medical examination and treatment establishments of patients in Vietnam as follows:
1. To refuse testing, use of drugs and application of treatment techniques or methods, but to make written commitment on personal responsibility for such refusal, except the cases specified in Clause 1. Article 66 of this Law.
2. To leave medical examination and treatment establishments when treatment is not completed, but to make written commitment to take personal responsibility for such leaving, which is contrary to practitioners’ instruction, except the cases specified in Clause 1. Article 66 of this Law.
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 66 stipulating as follows:
1. Cases subject to compulsory medical treatment under this Law include:
a/ Suffering a group-A infectious disease under the law on prevention and control of infectious diseases:
b/ Suffering a mental disease in a state of loss of self-control or depression which gives rise to the idea or act of committing suicide or causing danger to others under law.
As regulations above, you have the right to refuse to use drugs from the hospitals as long as you don't suffer from diseases, which subject to compulsory medical treatment as prescribed above.
