Legislators have warned against allowing visiting doctors to leave Bahrain after performing operations or treating patients while complaints alleging medical errors remain pending.
An urgent parliamentary proposal, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk, that was approved unanimously yesterday called on the government to review whether Bahrain’s existing laws are strong enough to hold visiting physicians accountable for medical errors, even after they have returned to their home countries.
Newly elected financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Al Marafi, deputised to speak on behalf of the proposers, said protecting patients’ rights must remain a priority as Bahrain continues to benefit from specialist medical expertise brought in from abroad.
“The departure of a visiting doctor must not undermine a patient’s right to seek justice, establish responsibility or claim compensation for proven medical errors,” he said.
The proposal urges a comprehensive review of the legislation, ministerial decisions and regulations governing visiting physicians, with the government expected to identify shortcomings and recommend the necessary legal and administrative changes.
Mr Al Marafi
Mr Al Marafi said the aim was not to prevent hospitals from bringing in experienced specialists, but to ensure that the benefits of their expertise came with clear professional obligations and effective accountability.
“Patients must have confidence that their safety and rights are protected, regardless of whether the doctor treating them is permanently based in Bahrain or visiting for a limited period,” he said.
The proposal highlights the difficulties that can arise when a patient suffers harm during surgery or treatment and the doctor subsequently leaves the kingdom after completing the assignment.
Such cases can raise questions about how complaints are pursued, medical incidents investigated and responsibility established once the physician is no longer in Bahrain.
The proposed review would examine whether effective mechanisms exist to continue investigations and accountability procedures after a visiting doctor has left the country, while safeguarding patients’ rights to seek compensation in accordance with the law.
It also seeks stronger oversight of recruitment and licensing procedures, including verification of doctors’ qualifications, experience and specialisations, as well as clear limits on the medical procedures they are authorised to perform.
Mr Al Marafi said a thorough review would help determine whether existing legislation needed to be amended or new regulations introduced.
The proposal has been referred to the Cabinet for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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