BD5,000 Fine Plan for Bogus Doctors

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bogus doctors could face up to five years in jail and a BD5,000 fine under a bill before Parliament on Tuesday, though courts would gain leeway over clinic closures and seizure orders that are now mandatory.

It would apply to anyone who practises medicine without a licence, runs a clinic without approval, gives false details, uses unlawful means to obtain a licence, assumes the title of doctor without being qualified, or advertises in a way that leads the public to think they have the right to practise.

The court would be able to order the clinic closed and seize tools, equipment, signs and other items found there. But it would no longer have to do so in every case.

Administrative closure would also become optional. The current law says a clinic must be shut until the criminal case is decided. The bill says the administrative authority can shut it until judgment is given.

The government says the change would align the penalty with Decree-Law No. 2 of 1987, which covers allied medical work carried out by those who are neither doctors nor pharmacists. Both laws would carry up to five years in jail and a fine of up to BD5,000, or either punishment.

The Services Committee has urged Parliament to pass the bill in principle, with all members present in favour. It also approved the title, preamble and two articles as drafted.

Figures sent to the committee by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) show Bahrain has 24 licensed private hospitals, 110 dental centres and 244 medical centres.