Dubai Hospital Ordered to Pay Dhs2m Compensation for Medical Error
Dubai, UAE – In a recent court ruling, a private hospital and one of its doctors have been ordered to pay Dhs2 million in compensation to a patient who suffered due to a medical error. The Dubai Appellate Court upheld the decision made by the Court of First Instance, holding the hospital and doctor accountable for the patient’s permanent disability and the resulting material and moral damages.
According to the lawsuit filed by a woman from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), she visited the hospital complaining of swelling in her neck. The doctor conducted several tests and x-rays, which revealed a benign tumor in her thyroid gland. Despite the absence of any indication of a malicious tumor that would require surgery, the doctor proceeded with the operation, removing the tumor, cleaning the neck of fibers, and extracting salivary and lymph nodes.
Following the surgery, the patient experienced severe bleeding and blood accumulation in her neck, ultimately leading to her admission to the intensive care unit for two days. Upon awakening, she faced complications such as numbness, heaviness, and severe swelling of the tongue, rendering her unable to speak, eat, drink, or swallow. Seeking answers, she consulted a maxillofacial surgeon in London, who identified surgical complications and declared the irreversible interruption of nerve conduction in half of her tongue.
In response to the unfortunate turn of events, the patient lodged a complaint against both the doctor and the hospital. The Medical Liability Committee found the doctor guilty of a grave medical error and highlighted negligence on the part of the hospital. Dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court of First Instance, the appellees appealed the decision, only to be met with another confirmation of their responsibility by the Appellate Court.
Medical errors can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. While advancements in healthcare have undoubtedly improved patient outcomes, instances like this serve as a reminder that utmost care and diligence are necessary to prevent such errors. The court’s decision to hold the hospital and doctor accountable demonstrates the importance of ensuring patient safety and enforcing the highest standards of medical practice.
The ruling also raises questions about the need for continued efforts in promoting accountability within the healthcare sector. Healthcare professionals must adhere to strict guidelines and prioritize patient well-being at all times. Patients, on the other hand, should feel empowered to voice their concerns and seek legal recourse in cases of medical negligence.
As this case demonstrates, the consequences of medical errors can be life-altering, both physically and emotionally. Legal avenues provide a means for patients to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered and hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. However, preventing such errors should remain the primary goal, focusing on robust quality assurance measures, ongoing training, and transparent communication between doctors and patients.
Instances like these highlight the significance of maintaining a strong medical regulatory system that ensures patient safety while upholding the highest standards of healthcare. Striving for excellence in medical practice and continuous improvement can help reduce medical errors and safeguard the well-being of all patients.
