Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024 – Comparison with Previous Years and Causes

Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024 – Comparison with Previous Years and Causes

Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024 – Comparison with Previous Years and Causes

Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024: Comparison with Previous Years and Causes

Introduction

Medical errors represent a global challenge for healthcare systems, and the UAE is one of the countries that consistently strives to minimize these errors by developing healthcare systems and enhancing safety standards. However, medical errors still occur due to various factors, including human mistakes, work pressures, and occasional resource shortages.

Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024

As of now, there are no official statistics available on the number of medical errors that occurred in 2024. However, the UAE enforces strict regulatory measures through the Ministry of Health and Prevention and local health authorities, such as the Dubai Health Authority and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. These entities mandate the reporting of medical errors, contributing to data collection and analysis for corrective actions.

Previous reports indicate that the UAE has successfully reduced medical error rates by implementing artificial intelligence technologies and electronic health records, which help decrease misdiagnoses or incorrect prescriptions. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing human errors and shortages of highly qualified professionals in specialized medical fields.

Comparison with Previous Years

• Improvement of healthcare infrastructure through the establishment of new hospitals equipped with the latest medical technologies.
• Development of digital systems, such as the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, which has reduced human errors.
• Ongoing training for doctors and healthcare practitioners, with mandatory professional development programs to ensure they stay updated with the latest medical standards.
• Strict regulatory oversight and legal accountability, ensuring that healthcare professionals are closely monitored and that proven medical errors are handled with appropriate legal measures.
• Despite these efforts, medical errors remain a global challenge, often occurring due to the high workload faced by healthcare workers, especially with the increasing number of patients.

Causes of Medical Errors

• Human Errors:

  • Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis.
  • Incorrect prescriptions or improper dosage.
  • Insufficient post-surgical or post-treatment follow-up for patients.

• Technical and Administrative Factors:

  • Lack of coordination among healthcare teams.
  • Inefficient use of technology, such as electronic health records.
  • Issues with medical equipment or delays in maintenance.

• Work Pressure:

  • A high number of patients compared to a limited number of doctors and nurses.
  • Occupational fatigue, which can lead to inaccurate medical decisions.

Proposed Solutions

• Expanding the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in diagnosis and treatment.
• Improving the work environment for medical staff by reducing professional pressures.
• Enforcing stricter regulations on healthcare institutions to ensure the highest safety standards.
• Encouraging a culture of error reporting without fear of punishment, allowing for problem analysis and resolution.

Conclusion

Although medical errors remain a challenge worldwide, the UAE has made significant progress in reducing them by improving healthcare infrastructure and adopting technology and artificial intelligence. With the continuous development of health policies and training, these errors can be further minimized in the future, enhancing the quality of healthcare and ensuring patient safety.

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

“Medical Error Rates in the UAE for 2024 – Comparison with Previous Years and Causes”