Page 2 - Ministerial Resolution No. (14) of 2021

Annex to Ministerial Resolution No. (14) of 2021 on the Approval of the Patient’s
Rights & Responsibilities Charter

Patient’s Rights & Responsibilities Charter

The provision of health services to patients in UAE is constantly evolving to provide
health care in accordance with the highest quality levels, as well as to achieve the
highest standards in the field of patient satisfaction and welfare. This Charter has been
developed to ensure the patient's right and empowerment to support and improve the
services provided to the patient.

This Charter includes all the rights enjoyed by the patient while receiving the health
service, as well as his responsibilities towards the health facility. Rights in their modern
concept cannot be realized, absorbed or enforced without being associated with
the corresponding responsibilities that help giving effect to those rights, in a delicate
balance between rights and responsibilities, which eventually having positive outcomes
for all persons in terms of the type and quality of the health services provided. This
Charter has been prepared in a simplified manner, reflecting the relevant legislation
and to ensure that the message is easily communicated to all segments of society in
order to achieve the desired objectives. The patient is intended to be the person
receiving the services provided by the health facility, whether it is preventive, curative,
or rehabilitative service.

First: General Principles

1. Every person has the right to the protection of his health in the best possible
circumstances, without distinction as to religion, gender, color, age or socio-
economic status, taking into account the specificity of certain categories of patients,
whose health status requires priority to be medically served in accordance with the
applicable legislation, such as emergencies, disabled and elderly persons, children
and pregnant women.
2. Health facilities shall open their doors to all patients, within the limits of the
applicable legislation.
3. Health facilities shall, within the available resources, ensure that patients are well
received, accompanied and provided with the best services, while respecting their
rights and freedoms and alleviating their suffering and pain.
4. Health facilities, when undertaking emergencies, shall give priority to the provision
of health services as required by the health status of patient, according to the
scientific principles recognized in this field, provided that administrative and
financial matters are be subsequently settled.
5. Health facilities shall place guide and directional signs that allow service recipients
and other visitors to know the places and departments of the health facility. Health
facilities shall also provide the means that enable them to submit their proposals for
consideration. Health Facilities shall also undertake to consider and respond to their
feedbacks and complaints.
6. Health facilities shall provide translation services to patients who are not able to
understand the attending physician's language.

*In case of any misinterpretation, the Arabic version of this legislation prevails.