The Ministry of Health issued a statement following the death of an Omani citizen due to medical error in a private hospital.
As legal measures are under way, the ministry has affirmed that the doctor has been suspended from practicing as a precaution until the completion of the investigation.
It also stressed that it is keen on the safety of medical practice in both public and private sectors and that it will not go easy with any breach of professional standards.
The death of Munira al Muqbali, an entrepreneur, happened due to a medical error during surgery at a private hospital in the Sultanate. According to their claims, the victim's family members mentioned in media channels that the operation was for liposuction, but the doctor, according to their claims, cut a part of the liver and pancreas due to lack of professionalism.
According to the law regulating the medical and medical auxiliary professions, the Supreme Medical Committee has the authority to recommend suspension of a practitioner with an explanation, without any prejudice.
Compensation for proven medical errors in cases of death, partial, or total and permanent disability, wounds, and injuries shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Royal Decree regarding the assessment of ‘blood money’.
In all cases, this does not prejudice the right of the victim to seek compensation for moral damage if this is required.
Based on the Penal Code in the Sultanate, anyone who mistakenly causes the death of a person shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not less than three months and not exceeding three years and a fine of not less than RO 300 and not more than RO 1,000.
The penalty stipulated in Articles 311 and 312 in this law is intensified, provided that it does not exceed the double, if the crime occurred as a result of the offender’s breach of the principles of his profession or job, or if he was under the influence of drunkenness or a drug, or if the act resulted in death or permanent disability, or if he refused to help the victim or refused to seeking help for him.
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