Healthcare services have significantly evolved in Saudi Arabia over the past two decades. However, a rise in the population and the increased awareness of health matters have led to an increase in medical practice litigations. As a result, the number of medical practice complaints against medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia had increased by 37% between 2011 to 2016. The principles of Sharia Law form the basis of Saudi Arabia’s legal system. The Sharia Medical Panel (SMP) reviews the medical malpractice cases in Saudi Arabia.
The Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions 2005 (The 2005 Law) lays down the liabilities for healthcare professionals (HCPs). The following provisions explain the liabilities of HCPs: I. Article 34 of the 2005 Law The SMP shall have the jurisdiction to consider medical malpractice cases regarding indemnity or compensation. The SMP shall have the jurisdiction to…
