MP Jalal Kazim has introduced two proposed amendments to Bahraini laws aimed at providing additional legal protections for medical professionals. The first proposal focuses on doctors, while the second extends similar protections to allied medical professionals. The proposed amendments would require criminal investigations against doctors and allied medical professionals for offenses committed during or related to their work to be initiated only by the Public Prosecution, after notifying the Ministry of Health and with the presence of a designated ministry representative.
The aim of the first proposal is to amend Article 30 of Decree-Law No. 7 of 1989, concerning the practice of human medicine and dentistry, to provide doctors with legal protection against arbitrary legal actions. The presence of a ministry representative during investigations is intended to ensure fairness and prevent potentially frivolous lawsuits. The proposal draws parallels to similar legal protections for journalists in other jurisdictions and references comparable legislation in Iraq and Jordan.
The second proposal seeks to amend Decree-Law No. 2 of 1987 by adding a similar clause to Article 25, extending the same legal protections to allied medical professionals. This amendment would require Public Prosecution initiation, prior ministry notification, and the presence of a ministry representative during investigations into offenses committed during or related to their work. Both proposals aim to create a more secure environment for medical professionals, allowing them to provide optimal care without fear of unwarranted legal repercussions.
The proposed amendments are part of efforts to enhance legal protections for medical professionals in Bahrain and to ensure that they can carry out their duties without the threat of arbitrary legal actions. By requiring the Public Prosecution to initiate investigations, notifying the Ministry of Health, and having a ministry representative present during investigations, the proposals aim to prevent frivolous lawsuits and provide a fair and transparent process for resolving any legal issues that may arise.
The proposals introduced by MP Jalal Kazim are now set to undergo the parliamentary process for review and debate. If approved, the proposed amendments would provide doctors and allied medical professionals in Bahrain with additional legal safeguards, allowing them to focus on providing quality care to patients without the distractions and fears of unwarranted legal actions. The aim is to create a more supportive and secure environment for medical professionals in Bahrain, ultimately benefiting both the healthcare providers and the patients they serve.
