Patient & Family Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Being a valued patient in the Dubai Health Authority, you and your family have the following rights:

1. Receive a written copy of the Patient and Family Bill of Rights from reception, the registration office or the Communication and Customer Relations Office. If, for any reason, you do not understand them, please contact the Administrative Officer in the Health Center or the Communication and Customer Relations Office (toll-free: 800342 or 800DHA) for assistance, including an interpreter where available.
2. Receive impartial care that respects your personal values and beliefs from all staff, without discrimination, in accordance with DHA rules and regulations.
3. Receive comprehensive medical care aimed at achieving a proper medical diagnosis and treatment of your illness and/or injury.
4. Receive immediate care in emergency cases.
5. Know the identity, name and specialty of the physician responsible for your care.
6. Receive comprehensive information from the healthcare team in a simple and understandable manner about your diagnosis, proposed treatment, any changes in your health status and the causes of those changes, alternative treatments, the likelihood of treatment success or failure, the advantages and disadvantages of therapy, possible treatment-related problems and the expected consequences of not receiving treatment.
7. Have an interpreter, subject to availability, where language is a barrier to understanding the details of your medical care.
8. Have a person of your own sex present during certain parts of a physical examination, treatment or procedure performed by a healthcare professional of the opposite sex, and not remain undressed longer than is necessary for the medical purpose.
9. Participate in decisions about your care. DHA encourages patients, parents and legal guardians, to the extent they wish, to participate with nurses and physicians in planning and implementing treatment.
10. Obtain a medical report and a copy of medical test results from the Medical Records Section upon request, subject to charges in accordance with DHA rules and regulations.
11. Enjoy privacy during all examinations, procedures and treatment at the Health Center, and confidentiality of all your information.
12. Choose the treating doctor, subject to availability, and request a change of doctor for a genuine reason.
13. Refuse treatment. The treating doctor must inform you of the medical consequences of refusal, and you will be required to sign the relevant form.
14. Refuse examination or access to your treatment details by any person who is not directly responsible for your care. Anyone not directly involved in your treatment must obtain your prior permission to attend discussions, examinations or treatment.
15. Be protected during treatment from physical, verbal or psychological assault.
16. Receive information from the treating doctor, if you wish to donate an organ, about the donation process, including its advantages and disadvantages.
17. Have a family member or guardian accompany you depending on your health status and DHA rules and regulations. Certain units may restrict this for medical reasons.
18. Receive a complete explanation of the reasons for transfer to another care center, any resulting financial or administrative obligations, and available alternatives. The Health Center management will make the necessary arrangements and obtain acceptance from the receiving medical center before the transfer begins.
19. Receive, upon request, an itemized bill explaining all charges, regardless of whether payment is made by you or another source.
20. Submit complaints, suggestions and comments about services through the Communication and Customer Relations Office (toll-free: 800342).
21. View your medical record under the supervision of the treating doctor or a member of the medical team, in accordance with DHA rules and regulations.
22. Receive appropriate assessment and management of pain using evidence-based practices, together with the necessary information.
23. Be informed by your doctor of any new scientific research conducted by DHA that relates to your treatment, including potential benefits and risks, therapeutic alternatives and details of the research protocol.
24. Give written consent or refuse participation if asked to take part in medical research. You may end your participation at any time and for any reason without compromising the quality of medical services provided to you.
25. Receive dignified and compassionate care if terminally ill or dying, with respect for your individual needs and in accordance with DHA rules and regulations.

Being a valued patient in the Dubai Health Authority, you and your family have the following responsibilities:

1. Respect the Health Center’s rules and regulations.
2. Show consideration for others and treat other patients and staff with respect.
3. Respect the privacy and comfort of other patients.
4. Provide complete and accurate information about current complaints, past illnesses, previous hospitalization and treatment, and any known allergies.
5. Follow the treating doctor’s instructions.
6. Provide written general consent for treatment at DHA when visiting the Health Center.
7. Provide written informed consent before any minor surgery, anesthesia or other procedure requiring consent under DHA rules and regulations, after receiving all necessary information, including the benefits of the procedure, available alternatives and possible risks.
8. Accept responsibility for refusing or not following the treatment plan after being informed of the consequences.
9. Avoid delay in arranging an appointment with the Medical Records Section when requested by the doctor.
10. Attend appointments on time. To cancel an appointment, inform the Medical Records Section at least 48 hours in advance.
11. Respect the priority given to emergency cases.
12. Observe safety regulations, including the no-smoking policy, cleanliness and hand hygiene.
13. Ensure that any financial obligations due to DHA are fulfilled promptly.
14. Provide requested samples and attend medical checkups on time.
15. Avoid bringing valuable personal belongings to the Health Center. The Health Center is not responsible for damage to or loss of such belongings. In an emergency, notify the nurses and hand valuables over in the presence of Health Center security staff using the appropriate signed forms. Keep a copy of the form and verify the recipient’s official identity.

The Health Center management is not responsible for consequences resulting from failure to follow the above instructions.