Medicine and law
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The aims of this study are to present an argument that emphasizes the usefulness of an analysis framework for analyzing public health law and legal systems; identifying methods for improving the application of this framework, including its academic value for public health law; and enhancing the future use of the framework for supporting global health governance. To help formulate the initial analysis framework and tool, we have, along with expert consultations, conducted a literature review on global health governance and public health law. Meetings were also held with World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) technical staff members on the applicability and benefits of the framework and tool. Monitoring public health laws and legal systems of countries can be used to understand governance and improve people's health.
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The relationship between public interest and privacy is complex, particularly in healthcare. If public interest overrides the right to privacy, medical staff may be forced to break confidentiality beyond what is permitted by law. ⋯ Once a person dies, his right to privacy of health information should be with his heirs. Voyeurism should not be elevated to become a tool for legalising violations of health confidentiality.