Qatar penalized 69 health practitioners in 2014

So far this year, the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) has received a total of 181 complaints against the health practitioners, including physicians and paramedical staff serving in the country.

A total of 81 complaints were found valid and action has been taken in 69 cases so far, according to a report released by the QCHP.

Among the complaints 40 were concerning incorrect examinations/assessment/diagnosis/treatment, 18 about the conduct of the practitioners and nine cases regarding those practising without licence.

37 cases were also reported about adverse treatment outcomes, 32 regarding violation of the local laws and 45 were classified as 'other' issues, which included payment issues, denying appointment, overcharging, waiting for longer durations, and parking facilities.

The QCHP also reported that the average processing time taken per application that it received has fallen considerably in the last four months since more people have started using the electronic procedures that are in place now.

While a licence renewal used to take 43 days in September, now it takes only 7 days, it said. Similarly an application to change the place of work consumed as many as 35 days earlier while it takes only eight days now.

Processing of applications for licensing are now completed in 11 days now against 47 days in September.

Similarly, the application for evaluations are completed now in 11 days while the same job used to take 39 days earlier, it is pointed out.

The Council authorities have attributed the faster processing to the efficiency of the employees. [Gulf Times]

Have you ever had any complaints about doctors in Qatar?