NHRA denies rise in medical error deaths

Manama : The National Regulatory Health Authority (NHRA) yesterday denied a statement by the Parliamentary committee, claiming that deaths caused by medical errors have increased to 63 in 2016.

NHRA clarified in a press statement issued yesterday that “the total death cases investigated by the authority on medical error claims  in 2016 amounted to 19 cases in the public sector only”.

“The authority completed investigations in eight cases suspected to be caused by medical error or negligence. Only four of them were proven to be caused by medical errors, while the remaining cases are still under investigation.” 

“Whatever have been publicised in local press claiming that 63 death cases caused by medical error and negligence in 2016 is baseless,” NHRA’s statement read.

It explained in its statement, “The main purpose of the promulgation of Law 38 of 2009 on the establishment of the NHRA is to establish an independent and impartial body concerned with the regulation and control of health services.”

“This article defines the independence and mission of the authority, operating under the supervision of the Supreme Council of Health,” the authority added.

27 medical staff arrested

NHRA confirmed in its statement that it is not sparing any efforts in holding the responsible parties of these cases accountable, in cooperation with the competent security authorities.

The competent disciplinary committees in the authority issued a number of decisions against the medical professionals involved. 

The decisions included the arrest of 27 professionals for various periods, not exceeding one year according to the rules of practicing the profession. At least 14 warnings were also issued against violators. 

The licenses of a doctor and a technician were also revoked and they were prevented from practicing their professions. Two of the complaints were referred to the Public Prosecution as medical errors which were proven by the investigation to constitute a crime by law. 

“The authority also investigated 10 cases that were referred to it by the prosecution. Only five of these cases were proven to be caused by a medical error,” it added.

NHRA said that it had received 111 direct complaints from patients or their relatives alleging medical errors or violations of the principles and practices of the profession against doctors, nurses, pharmacists and auxiliary professions last year. 

It revealed that 60 reports were received from the healthcare institutions about incidents or deaths within them, in addition to receiving 37 cases transferred from the prosecution or the courts to provide technical opinion on the existence of medical error or not.

The authority’s statement came in as a response to comments made by MP Fatima Al Asfoor last week, claiming that 63 death cases caused by medical errors and negligence were reported in 2016.

The MP’s statements followed a meeting held between specially-formed parliamentary committee to investigate the quality of medical services at public and private medical centres in the Kingdom, and Health Ministry officials who were headed by Undersecretary Dr. Aisha Buanq.

Al Asfoor said the MPs discussed several matters with the officials, including the increasing medical errors, means to enhance medical services and the ministry’s future developmental plans.