Medical Malpractice Claims in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bahrain's malpractice system routes complaints through the NHRA, which convenes independent medical committees to assess whether negligence occurred:
- Standard of care: Malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard expected of a competent professional in their field, resulting in patient harm.
- NHRA investigation: File a complaint with the NHRA, which investigates and can impose disciplinary action including suspension or revocation of the provider's licence.
- Medical committee review: The NHRA refers malpractice complaints to a specialised independent committee of qualified physicians who review the case and issue a medical opinion on whether negligence occurred.
- Civil compensation: Based on the committee's findings, you can file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation covering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and disability.
- Criminal prosecution: Gross negligence causing death or serious injury can lead to criminal charges under the Penal Code, separate from the civil claim.
Correct statutory basis — Decree 7/1989, not Law 34/2018
The governing legal framework for medical malpractice and professional liability is Legislative Decree No. 7 of 1989 on the Practice of the Medical Profession (as amended). Law No. 34 of 2018 is the Public Health Law, which addresses public-health powers (communicable-disease control, environmental health, health-promotion duties) — it is not the medical-profession statute, despite being sometimes confused with it online.
Medical Accountability Committee — Legislative Decree No. 21 of 2015
Legislative Decree No. 21 of 2015 (as updated by subsequent NHRA decisions) established the Medical Accountability Committee (MAC), the independent specialist panel that reviews malpractice complaints and issues findings of fact on standard of care, causation, and harm. The MAC's opinion is typically the foundation of any subsequent civil or criminal case. Courts give the committee's technical conclusions significant weight.
Limitation
Civil claims for tort under the Bahraini Civil Code (Legislative Decree No. 19 of 2001) are generally subject to the statute's limitation rules; in practice, claims are strongest when filed within a few years of the harmful act becoming known. Obtain legal advice early to avoid limitation problems.
When does it apply?
- You suffered injury, complications, or worsened health due to a doctor's or hospital's negligence.
- A wrong diagnosis, wrong medication, surgical error, or failure to treat caused you harm.
- A family member died as a result of medical negligence.
What to Do If a Doctor or Hospital in Bahrain Caused You Harm Through Negligence and You Want to File a Complaint
- Obtain your complete medical records from the facility where the incident occurred — the PDPL gives you this right.
- Get a second medical opinion documenting the harm and linking it to the provider's actions or omissions.
- File a complaint with the NHRA as soon as possible — include all medical documents, a timeline of events, and a clear description of what went wrong.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in Bahrain medical malpractice to advise on whether to pursue a civil claim, criminal complaint, or both.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay collecting evidence — medical records and witness accounts become harder to obtain as time passes.
- Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and lost income.
- Do not confront the healthcare provider directly — let the NHRA investigation and the medical committee's independent assessment build your case.
Common Questions
When does it apply — medical malpractice claims?
You suffered injury, complications, or worsened health due to a doctor's or hospital's negligence.A wrong diagnosis, wrong medication, surgical error, or failure to treat caused you harm.A family member died as a result of medical negligence.
What should I do if I believe a doctor or hospital in Bahrain made a negligent error that harmed me or a family member?
Obtain your complete medical records from the facility where the incident occurred — the PDPL gives you this right.Get a second medical opinion documenting the harm and linking it to the provider's actions or omissions.File a complaint with the NHRA as soon as possible — include all medical documents, a timeline of events, and a clear description of what went wrong.Consult a lawyer experienced in Bahrain medical malpractice to advise on whether to pursue a civil claim, criminal complaint, or both.
What should you NOT do — medical malpractice claims?
Do not delay collecting evidence — medical records and witness accounts become harder to obtain as time passes.Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and lost income.Do not confront the healthcare provider directly — let the NHRA investigation and the medical committee's independent assessment build your case.