Bahrain Parliament Seeks Legal Review to Hold Visiting Physicians Accountable for Medical Errors

Lawmakers in Bahrain have raised concerns about the departure of visiting doctors from the kingdom while complaints alleging medical errors are still unresolved, urging the government to tighten accountability measures.

Unanimous Approval for Urgent Proposal

An urgent parliamentary proposal, spearheaded by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk, received unanimous approval yesterday. The proposal calls on the government to assess whether current laws are sufficient to hold visiting physicians responsible for medical mistakes even after they have returned to their home countries.

Newly elected vice-chairman of the financial and economic affairs committee, MP Mohammed Al Marafi, spoke on behalf of the proposers. He emphasised that safeguarding patient rights must remain a priority as Bahrain continues to benefit from specialist medical expertise brought in from abroad.

MP: Patient Rights Must Not Be Undermined

“The departure of a visiting doctor must not undermine a patient’s right to seek justice, establish responsibility or claim compensation for proven medical errors,” Mr Al Marafi said.

The proposal urges a comprehensive review of the legislation, ministerial decisions and regulations governing visiting physicians. The government is expected to identify shortcomings and recommend the necessary legal and administrative changes.

Mr Al Marafi clarified that the aim is not to prevent hospitals from bringing in experienced specialists, but to ensure that the benefits of their expertise come with clear professional obligations and effective accountability.

“Patients must have confidence that their safety and rights are protected, regardless of whether the doctor treating them is permanently based in Bahrain or visiting for a limited period,” he said.

Review to Address Legal Gaps

The proposal highlights difficulties that can arise when a patient suffers harm during surgery or treatment and the doctor subsequently leaves the kingdom after completing the assignment. Such cases can raise questions about how complaints are pursued, medical incidents investigated and responsibility established once the physician is no longer in Bahrain.

The proposed review would examine whether effective mechanisms exist to continue investigations and accountability procedures after a visiting doctor has left the country, while safeguarding patients’ rights to seek compensation in accordance with the law.

Stronger Oversight of Recruitment and Licensing

It also seeks stronger oversight of recruitment and licensing procedures, including verification of doctors’ qualifications, experience and specialisations, as well as clear limits on the medical procedures they are authorised to perform.

Mr Al Marafi said a thorough review would help determine whether existing legislation needed to be amended or new regulations introduced. The proposal has been referred to the Cabinet for review.