A Kuwaiti surgeon has been ordered to pay $647,564 following a harmful medical error during childbirth, potentially affecting a young woman’s fertility. In a related case, two doctors were penalized after negligence led to the death of former lawmaker Falah Al Sawagh, with significant compensation orders issued by the courts for both incidents.
A Kuwaiti court has mandated a prominent obstetrician to pay KD200,000 (approximately $647,564) as compensation for a serious medical error that inflicted harm on a 20-year-old woman during natural childbirth. The court assessed that the doctor’s negligence, including a failure to consult with a surgical colleague, warranted the compensation due to the potential impact on the woman’s future fertility. Additionally, the patient alleged that the physician filmed the birth process without her consent, further complicating the case.
In another case from the previous year, a Kuwaiti appeals court found the Ministry of Health and two doctors liable for KD111,000 in compensation to the family of Falah Al Sawagh, a former lawmaker who died due to medical errors following a liposuction procedure. Reportedly, the 55-year-old experienced severe chest pain post-surgery, leading to his untimely death in October 2016. A lower court had earlier determined that the Ministry and the doctors should pay KD156,000 due to the fatal negligence recorded during the operation.
The court of Cassation upheld the convictions of the two doctors, sentencing them to one year in prison along with a bail requirement of KD5,000 for temporary release. This ruling followed a comprehensive report from medical specialists that concluded the ex-parliamentarian died due to bacterial blood poisoning stemming from the surgery, indicating a significant breach of medical care standards.
The article discusses recent rulings in Kuwait’s judicial system regarding medical malpractice cases that reflect on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. The legal outcomes highlight concerns surrounding negligence, particularly during childbirth and surgical procedures. This is significant in understanding the legal accountability mechanisms in place within the Kuwaiti healthcare framework and the implications of medical errors on patients’ lives and rights.
The findings from the Kuwaiti courts underscore the severe ramifications of medical negligence, portraying a legal system that seeks to protect patients’ rights and hold medical professionals accountable for their actions. The financial compensation awarded in both cases serves as a warning to healthcare providers regarding the critical need for adherence to medical standards and the importance of informed consent.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
