Dubai's medical regulator is investigating the death of a woman at a private hospital.
Dubai Health Authority is probing the death of Betty Rita Fernandes, a mother-of-two who underwent a routine hip surgery at Al Zahra Hospital on Thursday. The 42-year-old passed away hours after the procedure.
“This case is currently under investigation,” said Dr Marwan Al Mulla, head of health regulation.
“The DHA looks into every single case of alleged negligence and/or malpractice stringently."
He said a team of experts had been brought together to look into whether there is evidence of medical negligence.
“Deemed action is taken according to the merit of each case," he said.
Ms Fernandes underwent the surgery to correct a congenital joint defect. Her family reported the hospital to the DHA.
Her death comes days after it was revealed a clinic in Deira was being probed after an Emirati woman aged 24 fell into a coma following nose surgery.
“We extend our deepest condolences and utmost support to the patient’s family while passing through this difficult time,” said Dr Mohayem Abdelghany, chief executive officer of Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai.
“We have made the family transparently aware of all the developments and ongoing reviews.
“The thousands of surgeries done in AZHD with excellent outcomes are benchmarked to international best practice."
An internal hospital review is also currently underway.
The hospital in the Barsha district employs more than 140 international doctors covering a wide range of specialities.
Al Zahra is accredited by the Joint Commission International, a body working to improve patient safety and quality of health care.
Last week, First Med Day Surgery Centre in Deira was ordered to cease all surgeries after an Emirati woman was left in a coma during a cosmetic nose procedure.
The DHA said the patient's familywill be updated with any new information emerging that may lead to criminal action.
The woman, who has now been in a coma for almost three weeks, is understood to be receiving care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
“The authority is dealing with the case in a transparent manner, while taking into consideration the privacy of patients and the confidentiality of the investigation,” said Dr Al Mulla.
