1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error

1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error

1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error

1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error

A Silent Crisis Threatening Our Safety

In a world where hospitals are supposed to be sanctuaries of safety and healing, recent statistics reveal a disturbing truth: one in every seven patients admitted to a hospital experiences some form of medical error. This figure not only indicates a flaw in the healthcare system, but also exposes a silent crisis that threatens patients’ lives and the public’s trust in medical institutions.

What is a Medical Error?

A medical error is any unintended act or incorrect decision made by a healthcare provider that results in harm to the patient. These errors can range from administering the wrong medication, to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or even unnecessary surgical procedures. Some of these errors may be minor, but others can be fatal or result in permanent disability.

Many Causes… One Outcome

The causes of medical errors are diverse and complex, including: work overload and staff shortages; medical teams often operate under extreme pressure, leading to fatigue and reduced focus.

Poor communication between medical teams: Lack of coordination between doctors and nurses may result in the miscommunication of critical information or instructions.

Outdated electronic systems or misuse of paper records.

Inadequate training on medical devices or emergency protocols.

A culture of silence and fear of admitting mistakes, which hinders learning and prevents recurrence prevention.

What Does This Mean for the Patient?

Imagine being hospitalized for a minor infection, only to leave with kidney damage due to a medication error. Or undergoing surgery on the wrong side of your body. These are not just dramatic movie scenes — they are real-life stories experienced by patients around the world.

Beyond physical harm, patients and their families face serious emotional and financial consequences, such as loss of trust in the healthcare system, extra treatment costs, and disruption to their personal and professional lives.

Can These Errors Be Prevented?

Yes — to a large extent. Quality assurance and performance monitoring systems have proven effective in reducing medical errors when applied seriously. Key solutions include:

Mandating hospitals to implement patient safety protocols.

Promoting a culture of transparency and learning from mistakes rather than hiding them.

Leveraging technology to enhance documentation and communication.

Increasing patient awareness, encouraging them to become active partners in monitoring their care, asking questions, and verifying treatment details.

A Final Word

Behind every medical error is a human face — a patient who may never get a second chance. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward the solution. Serious efforts must be made at every level to ensure hospitals are places of healing, not harm.

1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error

Attorney / Mohamed Al Marzooqi
Mohamed Al Marzooqi advocates & Consultancy
Lawyer in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman UAE

“1 in Every 7 Hospital Admissions Involves a Medical Error”