When does a doctor cover for a patient, and when does he report him to the police?

The fundamental principle is that a doctor must preserve patient confidentiality and conceal their secrets, unless a right of another person is involved, or to avert injustice, or if there is a public interest for the community, or to prevent harm.

A doctor must inform the responsible authorities in cases such as knowing that a patient working in a sensitive position (like a pilot) is a drug addict, to prevent potential dangers.

However, if a doctor knows that their female patient has abandoned her illegitimate child, they must keep the secret due to the severe harm that its disclosure would cause to the woman, her life, and her family.

Exceptions to the obligation of confidentiality are cases where keeping the secret leads to harm, such such as the commission of adultery, theft, or murder, or possessing a driving license with severe visual impairment. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Gatherings are by trust, except for three: a gathering for shedding unlawful blood, or unlawful sexual intercourse, or unjustly taking wealth."