NHRA to investigate children’s death at SMC
Manama: National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), which deals with the complaints related to healthcare in Bahrain, has opened an investigation into the death of two Bahraini children last week due to alleged ‘medical negligence’.
Four-year-old Layla Khamees died in her father’s arms at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) while waiting to be treated on Thursday. Another Bahraini boy
Yousif Madan died on his way to SMC on Tuesday night after initially being told he was fine by doctors at SMC.
Parents of both children had accused SMC and health centres of medical negligence adding that their children’s tragic death could have been avoided by the timely intervention of the concerned authorities.
NHRA CEO Dr Mariam Al Jalahma told DT News that they have started investigating the cases eventhough they did not receive an official complaint from the families.
“As a first step of investigation NHRA has contacted the families to file a detailed complaint with us. We have also asked the Ministry of Health for the medical records.”
“Once NHRA gets all the information related to the two cases they will be referred to disciplinary committee which will investigate and decide whether any medical error was involved in the death,” Dr Mariam Al Jalahma said. She also expressed condolences to both the families of the deceased children.
NHRA also clarified that their investigation is totally independent from the investigation of Ministry of Health (MoH).
“NHRA is the only authority authorised by the law to decide on medical error,” she stated.
Earlier Minister of Health Faeqa Al Saleh had directed the Ministry officials to investigate the case in cooperation with the NHRA.
“NHRA is an independent authority that has jurisdiction over cases like this. They follow up with patients and send investigation results to the relevant authorities in order to protect patient’s rights and ensure honesty,” Faeqa Al Saleh said.
“We do not tolerate any misconduct and we will carry out necessary and just procedures if any mistake, negligence or shortcoming by healthcare professionals at SMC or Primary Health Centre is proved. The investigation will determine the exact causes of death. Strict action will be taken if any medical error or negligence is involved in the case,” the Minister said, while expressing condolence to the family of the deceased.
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