How to file a medical complaint in the UAE
Did you know you can file a medical complaint in the UAE if you are dissatisfied with the services you received at or from a medical facility or healthcare professional in the country? Health authorities in every emirate give you a chance to obtain a remedy or compensation for any grievances you suffer at the account of a licenced medical facility or professional.
So if you have questions like “How do I file a complaint against a hospital?” or “How do I complain about hospital negligence?” – this is how you can file a medical complaint in the UAE.
HOW TO FILE A MEDICAL COMPLAINT IN THE UAE WITH MOHAP
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) allows you to submit medical complaints in the UAE against private clinics, hospitals and health facilities licensed by MOHAP.
This covers hospitals in Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. Any issues that you face at the hospitals in Fujairah must also be reported to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Let’s now move on to the MOHAP medical complaint procedure in the UAE.
- Visit the MOHAP Medical Complaint Page
- Click the ”Start Service” icon in the top right corner
- Log in using your UAEPASS or register an account
- Select “Create New Medical Complaint”
- Fill out the Medical Facility Complaint Form
- Attach the supporting documents and submit
Once the electronic complaint is submitted, the MOHAP will assign a technical committee to investigate the matter and present its findings to the Medical Licensing Committee for the final decision.
After a plausible decision is reached, the complainant will be duly informed about the options available to them for redressal in the form of either reconciliation or justice.
FILING A MEDICAL COMPLAINT IN DUBAI, UAE
There are quite a few ways to file a medical complaint in Dubai:
- Submit a complaint form on mc.dha.gov.ae – the official DHA website for medical complaints
- Email a detailed account of your complaint to cg@dha.gov.ae
- Call at 800 342 (DHA)
- Reach out to the emirate’s healthy authority at @DHA_Dubai
These complaints must only pertain to DHA-licenced health facilities and professionals. Complaints related to hospitals and healthcare professionals in free zones in Dubai like Dubai Healthcare City and Jebel Ali Free zone Authority (JAFZA), and those registered with the Ministry of Health (MOH) will not be reviewed.
Residents, nationals and even tourists can file a medical complaint in Dubai. Here’s how you can do that:
- Log on to the official DHA medical complaint website: https://mc.dha.gov.ae/
- Specify whether you’re a UAE national/resident or a tourist
- Choose what you want to complain about: Healthcare Professional, Medical Facility or Both
- Register your account
- Fill in the Medical Complaint Procedure Form
- Attach the relevant documents and submit
DURATION OF A RESPONSE
The duration of response depends upon the type of complaint. DHA classifies complaints into three categories.
- Sensitive complaints – Two working days
- Regular complaints – Seven working days
- Urgent complaints – One working day
After filing the complaint, you will receive email notification of successful submission. Then your case will be referred to the Clinical Governance Office which will reach out to the concerned parties for a complaint review.
If further investigation is required for the resolution of your case, you will be duly informed about it by the Clinical Governance Office.
FILE MEDICAL COMPLAINTS IN ABU DHABI UAE
All medical complaints related to healthcare professionals and facilities registered in the capital are dealt with by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH).
There are two ways to file a medical complaint in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Through the DOH:
- You can lodge a medical complaint using TAMM Abu Dhabi (call them on +971-800-555)
- Or, register your complaint on the DOH Medical Complaint Portal
The portal process is quite straightforward:
- Fill out the complaint form with supporting documents
- Submit and receive complaint confirmation via email or SMS
The investigation result will be emailed to you in due time. The resolution of your medical complaint in Abu Dhabi can take up to nine months from the date of submission.
FAQs ABOUT MEDICAL COMPLAINTS IN THE UAE
WHO CAN SUBMIT A MEDICAL COMPLAINT IN THE UAE?
The general rules for eligibility to file a medical complaint in the UAE the patient are:
- An adult (aged 21 or above)
- A UAE national or resident
- Mentally sane
If the patient is aged less than 21, the medical complaint can be filed by their parents, legal guardians or legal representative.
Unlike the other emirates, tourists are allowed to file medical complaints in Dubai. The same rules apply – the complainant must be mentally sane and above the age of 21.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RESOLVE A MEDICAL COMPLAINT?
The time duration it takes to resolve a medical complaint in the UAE is subjective. It depends on the severity of the case and the number of people involved. A medical complaint that requires extensive investigation may require longer to be resolved. Rest assured, the health regulation departments ensure the earliest possible resolution of medical complaints in the UAE.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO FILE A MEDICAL COMPLAINT IN THE UAE?
Whether you choose to file a medical complaint online or submit physical evidence of it, you need to have proper medical documentation for:
- The medical condition of the patience
- Proof of your claim
- Emirates ID (residents and nationals) / Passport (visitors)
When filing an online medical complaint in the UAE, specifically in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you also need a UAEPASS account.
CAN I USE THE SAME PROCESS TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MEDICAL INSURANCE OR FINANCIAL ISSUES?
No, the above listed medical complaint procedures in the UAE do not cater to complaints related to administrative, insurance or financial issues faced by the patients. This process is strictly limited to patient grievances arising due to malpractice, unprofessionalism or ignorance of the healthcare facility and/or professional.
That’s all we have for you now – in our guide to how to complain about hospital staff and healthcare facilities. The most important thing to keep in mind is to file your complaint with the correct authority. Any grievances you face at the hospitals in Sharjah or the hospitals in Ras Al Khaimah or other northern emirates – make your medical complaint at MoHAP.
All medical complaints pertaining to public or private hospitals in Dubai are to be made to the DHA. The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi deals with all the medical complaints related to hospitals and medical professionals in the capital.
When making a formal complaint to the relevant medical and health regulation departments, make sure you have a valid Emirates ID. If necessary, renew your Emirates ID before filing the complaint to avoid any setbacks.
Before you apply for a residence visa, a medical fitness test is mandatory. Here is how to opt for the Dubai medical report for visa check online.
In case you’re suffering from a prolonged medical condition that requires you to take an extended sick leave, make sure you get your medical certificate attested in Dubai.
