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Dohms issues Bill of Rights for patients and their families

DUBAI — The Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms) has issued a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for patients and their families. The bill is expected to make medico-legal procedures easier in the emirate.

To spread awareness, patients will be given booklets highlighting the conditions in which the patients can claim their rights. Booklets and pamphlets will be distributed when patients visit Dohms hospitals and clinics.

Qadi Saeed Al Mrooshid, Director General, Dohms, said the department would provide patients with the best diagnostic and treatment services. “It is a supreme contract between two parties,” Al Mrooshid added.

He also said that the deed is a step towards international accreditation. Dr Abdullah Al Khayat, Director of Al Wasl Hospital, said that all nationalities would be able to avail of the service by lodging any complaint.

Khalid Al Jallaf, Director of Quality and Development at Dohms, said by introducing the bill, more patients can approach Dohms with complaints. “We have done a comprehensive survey which has received a good response. Though the project was launched nine months ago, the information material is being released now,” he added. “We already have a big percentage of patients coming to us with complaints, and we are resolving several such cases,” he added.

He clarified that correctional steps were already being taken to settle issues. “Complaints against doctors and hospitals vary from case to case,” said Al Jallaf. “Doctors may be given verbal warnings or re-trained depending on the nature of the case,” he added. The official also explained that if a patient did not have any family representative to take the responsibility for a medical procedure, then the director of the hospital would be responsible.