The recent case of a 22-year-old woman undergoing surgery for a Bartholin’s gland cyst in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, has brought to light significant concerns regarding patient dignity and privacy. During the procedure, photographs of her face and private parts were circulated on WhatsApp, prompting an investigation into security breaches. This incident underscores the troubling practice of mandatory photography in operating theatres, particularly for surgeries funded under the Ayushmann Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme. Doctors have raised alarms about the ethical implications of photographing patients who are often deeply anaesthetized, as well as the potential for misuse of these images. The requirement for photographic evidence stems from a history of fraud in public health insurance claims, which has led to strict verification processes. However, this has resulted in patients being treated as subjects of surveillance rather than individuals deserving of dignity. Medical professionals argue that this practice not only disrupts surgical procedures but also raises serious concerns about consent, as many hospitals do not obtain explicit permission from patients for such photographs. The lack of standard practices and regulations further complicates the issue, leaving patients vulnerable to exploitation. There is a pressing need for the government to establish clear regulations to protect patient rights and ensure informed consent is obtained in a meaningful way.