A health center in Abu Dhabi has been slapped with a Dh1 million fine by the Department of Health in the emirate (DoH), as several doctors associated with the facility are now under investigation on suspicion of fraudulent activities. The punitive action was taken in response to suspected fraudulent activities aimed at misappropriating public funds, leading to the center’s prohibition from offering dental services across all branches. This restriction effectively prevents the center from providing dental services in the future.
The Department of Health (DoH) revealed a series of decisive measures and actions taken against various healthcare facilities found to be in violation of healthcare laws, regulations, and policies within the emirate. In addition to the fine imposed on the aforementioned health center, the DoH closed down eight healthcare facilities following extensive inspections.
Three of the closed facilities, an occupational medicine center, a laboratory, and a medical center, violated laws related to the prevention of infectious diseases. Additionally, four home care facilities were shuttered due to their failure to comply with the Department’s standards and regulations governing home care services. Furthermore, a dental clinic met a similar fate after substantiation of multiple violations, including employing unlicensed healthcare professionals and not adhering to sterilization protocols.
The offenses committed by these healthcare centers encompassed a range of violations, such as failing to report cases of infectious diseases, non-compliance with regulations for electronic reporting, neglecting to provide medicines or supplies for emergency cases, and not maintaining medical records securely. These centers also failed to adhere to the standards and regulations governing home care services, obtain patients’ consent for treatment, clarify procedures and treatment-related risks, and provide health professionals licensed by DoH.
The DoH has called upon all healthcare facilities operating in the emirate to comply with its policies and regulations.