In the department, it was noted that psychiatric institutions have a special access regime, where the main priorities are the protection of patients' rights, their dignity, and the preservation of confidentiality.
As indicated by the ministry representatives, information about a person's health status, treatment, and even their mere presence in such institutions falls under the category of medical confidentiality and cannot be disclosed without the written consent of the patient or their legal representative. Even if the person in the video is blurred, there is a risk of identification by voice, external signs, and the circumstances of the filming.
Photography and videography in medical organizations are only permitted with the consent of the administration and with strict adherence to patients' rights and established protocols. It is important to remember that journalistic activity does not exempt one from the requirements of the law.
The Ministry of Health also emphasized that for individuals with mental disorders, consent to participate in filming must be informed, voluntary, and properly documented. A conversation with a journalist does not constitute confirmation of such consent.
Occupational therapy may be used as part of the rehabilitation and social adaptation of patients and is conducted on a voluntary basis, without any coercion. Presenting such episodes in a sensational manner, in the opinion of the department, may distort the essence of the treatment process.
The ministry called for a respectful and responsible coverage of mental health issues, avoiding stigmatization and the humiliation of patients' dignity.
Currently, the department is analyzing this incident from the perspective of citizens' rights compliance. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the openness of the healthcare system is important, but it should not be achieved at the expense of violating the rights and confidentiality of individuals.
