Answer:
If a patient suffers harm from a medical procedure, two separate legal tracks may apply simultaneously: a medical malpractice claim against the hospital or practitioner, and a dispute with the insurer over denial of coverage. These are governed by different laws, handled by different bodies, and must be pursued independently. A committee report from the relevant health authority is a prerequisite for both criminal and civil malpractice proceedings.
LEGAL BASIS
- Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability
- Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 Regarding the Central Bank, Regulation of Financial Institutions and Activities, and Insurance Business
- UAE Central Bank / Insurance Authority (consumer complaints mechanism)
JURISDICTION BY EMIRATE
The medical liability review process is administered by the health authority of the emirate in which the incident occurred:
|
Emirate |
Competent Authority |
|
Dubai |
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — Medical Liability Committee |
CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS — KEY RULE
Pursuant to Article 24 of ...