The Importance of Previous Health Record

Written by: Wahida Sabir

Some diseases require short-term treatments and some require long-term treatment. Whenever you want to visit the doctor, you will need to be guided by a doctor, laboratory tests, CT can, echography, etc. Patients with dangerous and persistent diseases might face problems if they do not have their previous health records.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and physicians about this issue.

Abdul Basir, a resident of Parwan province says, “Once I was suffering from gallbladder stones and the doctor had prescribed me some medicines. After sometimes I suffered from the same disease and went to the doctor and I had not taken my previous laboratory examination. The doctor advised me to test again. I wait more than 4 hours for my laboratory result and I wasted my money too.”

A woman from Kapisa province says, “I am suffering from tuberculosis. I had done a laboratory examination in Kabul but I have not taken it with me. The doctor here in Kapisa advised me to test again.”

Doctor Sayed Tamim Zahoor, an internist in Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital, Kabul city says, “All patients should have their previous record of laboratory examination. The physician could get information about the history of the sickness from the health record. If the patient is suffering from anemia, and he has taken the medicines for anemia, he might get well and there might be no need for more medicines for this issue. If the patient doesn’t have his/her previous health record, the physician might face some problems in advising medicines and the patient would also suffer economic problems.”

What do people say about this issue?

Abdul Basir says, “I was more suffering from pain and I was in a hurry and I forgot to take my previous health record.”

A woman, a resident of Kabul city says, “Some patients do not keep their health record and their attendants are also irresponsible.”

Doctor Zuhoor says, “There is no understanding between the physician and a patient. Some physicians do not tell the patient how important it is to have the previous health record and the patient’s attendant also has the responsibility to keep the health record and take to the doctor.”