Dubai doctor on trial after pregnant woman loses child due to medical malpractice

Sohaila Ahmed, Staff Reporter

A Dubai doctor is facing trial on charges of medical malpractice after he failed to accurately diagnose a pregnant woman who was suffering from lupus.

In March 2016 a 32 weeks pregnant South African woman was rushed to a private hospital in Dubai after she complained of heartburn, chest pain, swollen face and body.

A 34-year-old Iraqi doctor at the hospital examined her and  prescribed paracetamol before sending her home.

“Two days after being discharged, my client’s condition deteriorated and she fell unconscious,” Awatif Mohammed from Al Rowaad Advocates said in court.

"Her domestic helper found her unconscious and called for an ambulance but it was too late as by then the victim she delivered a stillborn baby due to what reports said was eclampsia and placental abruption," said her lawyer.

Awatif told judges that reports by a Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) committee of physicians confirmed that negligence and malpractice have taken place.

“The report said the medical practitioner showed ignorance of technical aspects a practitioner should be familiar with.”

After losing her baby, the woman, 31, was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and Hellp syndrome.

“My client, a financial analyst, and her husband still suffer emotional, financial and physical damages due to such breach of duties,” said Awatif.

“She resigned from a good paying job to focus on her pregnancy and when this incident happened the couple had to cover treatment costs for a condition my client suffered due to this malpractice.”

In January this year, Dubai Court of Misdemeanours convicted the defendant of the charge and fined her Dhs50,0000.

At the Court of Appeal last month, she was ordered to additionally pay Dh20,000 in blood money for the lost baby.

The woman’s lawyer has filed a civil case seeking compensation for the emotional and physical damages her client has suffered.