Patients are treated as assets, not liabilities. Providing the best healthcare to patients is a priority for both private and public health facilities in United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, it does not come without responsibility on the part of both patients and medical professionals.

Here’s what you need to know about your patient rights in UAE:

The Right To Privacy

Patients have the full right to keep their medical conditions private unless they choose otherwise. Their doctors will ensure confidentiality throughout the course of treatment. According to  Personal Affairs Law, keeping medical information confidential is mandatory for all who possess this information. This applies even if the patient passes away or leaves temporarily or for another country except in cases where failure to disclose would be detrimental to public health or safety.

The Right To Refuse Treatment

 

According to Personal Affairs, patients have the full right to refuse medical treatment by informing their doctors about their decision. This cannot be overruled unless continued refusal will pose harm. If this is the case, the patient must be informed about the possible consequences of refusing treatment and alternative options available where he or she can get better care. Patients rights in UAE

The Right To Choose Your Personal Doctor

A patient has the basic right to choose his/her own primary physician even if they are referred by someone else. The only exception is when a person is admitted into an emergency room or hospital due to an injury or acute illness, in which case the doctor must be notified of the patient’s condition.

The Right To Privacy When Choosing Your Personal Physician

A health care facility cannot disclose information about a patient to anyone without his/her written consent except in cases where it is clearly in the best interest of that person or for purposes where it has been approved by public authority. Patients have full right to privacy when it comes to their personal records and history, even with family physicians. This includes records related to private tests, medical examinations, treatments, and other relevant information.

The Right Not To Receive Emails Or SMS From Healthcare Professionals Unless You Agree

Telemarketing calls are illegal in the UAE, and this extends to email and SMS marketing too. This means that your personal physician is not allowed to send you unsolicited emails or text messages unless you give prior consent.

The Right To Choose Your Preferred Place Of Treatment And Hospital

Patients have the freedom to choose between various facilities for their healthcare needs provided that they meet medical standards required by health authorities. The only exceptions are when a person is admitted into an emergency room or hospital due to an injury or acute illness, in which case the patient must be notified immediately about transfers.

The Right Not To Be Refused Healthcare Because, Of Age, Gender, Religious Beliefs, Or Nationality 

Hospitals cannot refuse any person who applies for medical care regardless of these criteria. However, a health care facility is not required to provide treatment that goes against its beliefs or norms.

The Right To Choose Your Specialist And The Preferred Gender During Pregnancy

Women have the right to see a female physician on all gynecological issues whether it’s their first visit or not. They also have the right to choose a male or female specialist during antenatal visits for contraception purposes that must be kept confidential. For labor cases, women have full rights of choosing their own physicians before, during, and after labor unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties. On the other hand,  any person has the full right to refuse a health examination if it goes against their moral values.

The Right To Be Offered The Best Quality Of Service

All clinical staff is obliged to provide appropriate treatments and services with full respect for patients’ dignity, religious beliefs, health beliefs, skillfully administrated by qualified medical practitioners. Meanwhile, all physicians have a duty to maintain high levels of ethical practice while providing services. It also ensures proper control over medicinal products used. On the other hand, doctors cannot divulge information about a patient or their condition unless it’s justifiable or if they have obtained written consent from the patient himself/herself.

The Right To Complain When You Are Not Treated Well

If you feel mistreated or your rights are not respected, you can file a complaint with the facility’s administration. The complaint procedure must be made known to the patient at the time of his/her registration for treatment.

The Right To Participate Actively During The Health Care

 People have the right to participate voluntarily in their healthcare and decision-making processes by signing informed consent forms or giving other appropriate documentation. This includes decisions related to diagnosis, treatment, and prior permission from authorized bodies. It also requires that all relevant information is provided beforehand for patients to make proper choices. Patients have the right to refuse any medical test they feel is unnecessary as well as refute treatments that go against their wishes.

The Right To Be Protected From Abuse And Exploitation By Individual Doctors, Healthcare Establishments, Or Facilities

 Any form of physical or mental abuse that is carried out against a patient with the intention to humiliate, intimidate or harm them must not take place. It includes both verbal and physical assault where punishments are given according to UAE laws. Meanwhile,  facilities have an obligation to provide safe working conditions for their employees while maintaining proper levels of hygiene in shared areas. Doctors cannot exploit their patients for any reason since it goes against their code of ethics.

The Right To Access Medical Records

Patients have full rights of accessing their medical files whether they are written on paper or computerized so long as the information is relevant and not subject to secrecy laws. This is done to ensure accuracy, safety, and confidentiality. Meanwhile, clinicians have a duty to respect patients’ right to privacy at all times during the course of treatment by following confidentiality practices.

The Right To Ask For A Second Opinion

Patients have the full right of asking for a second opinion from another doctor or specialist if they feel something is wrong about their diagnosis or treatment process either after consulting with a physician on his own accord or through a referral system. It allows them peace of mind knowing that their health care providers are doing everything in their power to detect any disorder.

Conclusion

Patients’ rights in UAE are not different from others and they all should be protected by law to make sure that patients’ best interest is taken care of.  Every patient has the right to choose a doctor or specialist that they prefer and have the right to ask for a second opinion. Patients also have full access to their medical records as well as make sure that their privacy is protected from the clinic side. There are penalties given according to UAE laws for those who abuse patients or do not follow proper health care practices.