Abstract

The relationship between doctors and patients is the foundation of the healthcare system, built on trust, secrecy, and professional accountability. Nonetheless, the rising incidence of medical negligence in India has had a significant influence on this relationship, resulting in legal disputes, social unrest, and a climate of distrust. This study investigates the socio-legal aspects of the doctor-patient relationship, healthcare professionals' ethical and professional responsibilities, the implications of lost trust, and the legal choices open to patients under Indian law. The article calls for the need to reconcile patient rights with the protection of medical personnel while proposing policy changes that increase openness, ethics, and accountability in healthcare delivery, drawing on key statutes, case law, and scholarly perspectives.

Keywords