Khaberni - The Abu Dhabi Primary Commercial Court obligated a patient and her employer to pay 15,000 dirhams to a private hospital for the cost of a precise surgery operation, while the insurance company refused to cover her treatment costs claiming that the case was not covered in the health policy.
The details of the case go back to when the patient was admitted to the hospital suffering from pregnancy complications, where she underwent an urgent surgical operation under full anesthesia to save her condition. After the insurance company refused to bear the expenses, the patient signed a declaration assuming responsibility and agreeing to pay the amounts due for the medical services she received. The owner of the company she works for also signed the declaration, acting as her guardian.
The hospital submitted as part of the case files a copy of the cash payment agreement signed by both parties and a statement from the insurance company stating the refusal to cover the patient's treatment, confirming that it complied with circular number (115) issued by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, which obligates all health facilities to provide emergency care even to patients not covered by valid health insurance, with the right to recover the costs from the patient's direct sponsor.
The hospital explained that the patient and the employer abstained from payment, which compelled it to file the legal claim to demand the dues. After hearing and deliberating the case, the court ruled to obligate both parties jointly to pay the required amount to the hospital along with interest on arrears, in addition to the costs of the proceedings and the attorney’s fees.
