Professional secrecy is a

(As per definition, Professional secrecy is an implied term of contract between a doctor and his patient. It is a DUTY of the doctor i.e. the doctor should keep secret whatever he has acquired as pa of his professional work from the patient. If the doctor discloses anything then the patient can sue him for damages/fine in a cou of law. The doctor should not disclose anything about the patient without the written consent of the patient; if he is a minor or an insane the parents/guardians should be informed of the patient's illness. However in case of Notifiable diseases, the public health authorities should be informed about the patient's illness. Doctor can be charged with Defamation for disclosing secrets of his patients.). Ref: Krishnan vij Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology; 5th ed; Page no: 354