This after Councilor Edcel Lagman Jr., proposed the QC Magna Carta of Patients Rights and Obligations, a compromise scheme acceptable to both patients and hospitals for proper health and medical care to city residents, especially the underprivileged.

Under the compromise agreement, patients should be given the right to leave the hospitals without jeopardizing the latters’ investments.

The practice of detaining the patients, according to Lagman, would only add up to the bills of the patients owing to their extended stay.

Lagman said: "It shall be the policy of Quezon City to protect and promote the right to health of its people and instill health and consciousness among them."

The proposed Magna Carta provides a grievance mechanism involving mediation wherein patients are entitled to air their complaints arising from the violation of their rights.

Lagman said the hearing procedure in the grievance mechanism is not adversarial in nature but should give an opportunity for the patient and the hospital to discuss the cause of complaint and find efforts for settlement.

Any written complaint arising from violation of any of the rights of the patients shall first be submitted for mediation.

Under the proposed measure, the city health department shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for implementation.