Questions & Answers
Protecting doctors from being recorded by patients' relatives without permission
Good morning,
I'm a doctor working in a clinic in Dubai. Lately, I've been facing the same issue with patients and their relatives.
They take out a camera (relatives) and start recording videos of me when I'm checking or explaining to the patient, or sometimes they call someone and keep the line open (not even on speaker) so the relative can listen to what I explain to the patient.
In those moments, when I realize what they're doing, I immediately stop them and ask them to delete/remove it, etc.
Some patients act offended even when I tell them they shouldn't do this, they can't.
Is there any law that protects doctors, or in this case, myself from these kinds of actions?
Thanks!
Hello, dear questioner,
UAE law prohibits photographing any person without obtaining his permission.
If you have any proof or evidence against these people, we can file a lawsuit for violation of privacy against them and demand compensation for any damage to you, whether material or moral.
For further discussion, please share the WhatsApp number.
Hello,
According to UAE law, it is illegal to record someone without their consent. This includes recording a doctor during a consultation without their permission.
If a patient or their relative is recording you without your consent, you have the right to ask them to stop and delete the recording.
If they refuse to comply, you can report the incident to the authorities. Additionally, the Dubai Health Authority has guidelines in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients and healthcare professionals.
You can also consult with your employer or the clinic's legal department for further guidance on how to handle such situations.
Yes, taking photos or videos without people's permission is not legally permissible. Also, it is important to keep the patient's information confidential.
There are many reasons to consider when refusing such requests from patient relatives.
Greetings,
This is a violation of the doctor's privacy and clients have no right to violate it.
You can make a sign that says "No photography" and warn any client who does this and they have no right to be upset about it. This is one of your rights.
For further inquiries about your topic, you can visit our office or contact us on WhatsApp.
Dear Questioner,
Thanks for your inquiry!
Regarding the above, we would like to inform you that, in the UAE, doctors are protected by laws and professional standards regarding patient confidentiality and privacy:
- Patient Confidentiality:
Doctors have a legal and ethical duty to maintain patient confidentiality, including discussions and medical information shared during consultations.
- Privacy Laws:
The UAE Penal Code and other regulations prohibit unauthorized recording or listening in on private conversations without consent, which includes medical consultations.
- Professional Standards:
Healthcare providers must adhere to strict guidelines that prioritize patient confidentiality and privacy to safeguard both patients and medical professionals.
- Actions to Take:
Doctors can assert their rights by informing patients and relatives that recording or eavesdropping during consultations is not allowed. They can also request immediate deletion of any unauthorized recordings.
- Legal Recourse:
If necessary, doctors can seek legal advice to understand their rights, potential legal actions, and steps to address violations of patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Educational Efforts:
Proactively educating patients and their families about the importance of confidentiality can help prevent future incidents and promote a respectful healthcare environment.
Ensuring compliance with these laws and standards is crucial for maintaining trust and professionalism in medical practice in the UAE.
Kindly do not hesitate to contact us via phone or email for further guidance.
Greetings,
