A PROPOSED medical liability law aimed at enhancing patient rights, improving healthcare quality and ensuring accountability in Bahrain’s medical sector is set for debate during the Shura Council’s weekly session on Sunday.
The 34-article draft legislation has been presented by five Shura members led by services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman.
According to the proposed bill, assisted dying or removal of medical equipment without respiratory or cardiac stoppage will be met with up to 10 years in jail.
Failure to treat patients, treatments against their will, using unapproved or unauthorised methods and medicines, and conducting unnecessary surgeries will be met with fines of up to BD1,000, jail for up to a year, or both.
The Shura Council’s services committee has recommended approving the proposal following consultations with relevant bodies.
The legislation introduces mandatory liability insurance for medical errors and establishes a Supreme Medical Liability Committee to oversee investigations into malpractice cases.
It also aims to ensure accountability while safeguarding the rights of both patients and medical professionals, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in medical governance and healthcare regulation.
The Supreme Council of Health, the Health Ministry and the National Health Regulatory Authority have expressed their support for the initiative, but stressed that many of its objectives were already covered under existing healthcare laws.
The Bahrain Medical Society also welcomed the law, highlighting its potential to enhance trust in the healthcare system.
Private Medical Establishments Owners Society backed the proposal, but called for better protections for medical professionals and greater private-sector representation in the Supreme Medical Liability Committee.
Shura’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati voiced concerns over the financial burden the new law could impose, particularly on private healthcare institutions.
“While ensuring patient safety is a top priority, we must also consider the economic challenges that come with these regulations,” he pointed out in a written response to the proposal.
“The cost of liability insurance and compliance measures could significantly strain smaller clinics and private hospitals, potentially leading to increased medical costs for patients,” he said.
Mr Al Maskati stressed the importance of striking a balance between accountability and the financial sustainability of Bahrain’s healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, Dr Al Salman highlighted the legislation’s importance in protecting patients and maintaining trust in the medical system.
“This law is not about punishing doctors, it’s about ensuring a culture of accountability and safety,” she added.
“Patients deserve to know they are receiving care from professionals who follow the highest ethical and medical standards.”
Dr Al Salman also noted that mandatory liability insurance would provide financial protection to medical professionals, reducing their personal risk in the event of unforeseen errors.
Also set for debate and a vote during the weekly session is government-drafted maritime agreement between Bahrain and Kuwait.
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