Dubai medical fitness and legal accountability take centre stage as the Dubai Courts uphold a Dh1 million compensation order in a medical negligence case, reaffirming patient rights and professional responsibility in the UAE healthcare sector. Medical case highlights the growing emphasis on transparency, ethical practice, and judicial oversight within the nation’s evolving healthcare framework.
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Medical Negligence Leads to Permanent Disability
A patient underwent a joint-replacement surgery on December 20, 2021, but soon developed severe pain and difficulty moving his leg. Despite further treatment abroad, his right leg lost about 80% of its function, leaving him with lasting pain and limited mobility.
The Supreme Committee for Medical Liability investigated the incident and, in its December 26, 2023 report, concluded that the attending physician showed gross negligence and deviated from recognised medical standards, causing permanent disability.
Legal Ruling Reinforces Accountability of Hospitals and Medical Facilities
The patient filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh20 million in damages. Both the physician and the hospital denied liability the hospital arguing that the doctor was not an employee but an independent practitioner.
However, the Dubai Civil Court ruled that legal liability may extend to medical facilities under the principle of vicarious liability, holding that hospitals can be responsible when they supply medical equipment, facilities, and staff for treatment, even if the doctor operates independently.
On March 17, 2025, the court ordered Dh1 million in compensation for the patient.
Medical Case: Dubai Medical Fitness and Legal Precedent Strengthened
The Dubai Court of Cassation later dismissed all appeals, upholding the compensation judgment and reaffirming that the Supreme Committee for Medical Liability’s findings are final on matters of professional conduct.
This ruling strengthens Dubai medical fitness standards and highlights the importance of ethical medical practice, patient safety, and hospital accountability in the UAE healthcare framework.
The court also ordered both appellants the physician and the hospital to pay legal expenses and attorney fees, reinforcing that negligence within medical environments will not go unpunished.
