A code of ethics will be issued early next that will affect all personnel working in the healthcare sector. The code, which will be introduced by the UAE Ministry of Health, has taken over a year to bring together after detailed consultations with those working in both the private and public sections of healthcare. The code will detail conduct personnel must adhere to in carrying out their daily tasks and is directed to physicians, pharmacists, nurses, allied healthcare technicians and administrators.

While it is admirable that such a code should be published, there appear to be some anomalies which must be resolved before its implementation. First, the code is not enforceable by law, it is merely a guidance document for those in the healthcare sector. Therefore, questions could arise as to what purpose it serves and how will censure be made if any contravention exists. Second, if the code is only known to those in the healthcare sector, and not the general public, how will patients know if they are being treated in accordance with the code of ethics. These are issues that must be determined and made known publicly before implementation of the code.

It is appreciated that medical negligence and malpractice are subject to a different law, which is still in draft form and before the Minister of Justice, but such a law should take cognisance of any code of ethics that is in use and ensure compatibility. We have argued before that medical staff are best judged by their peers initially and, if found guilty of malpractice or negligence, should then be heard before a court of law. Similarly, any contravention of a code of ethics should be heard before an ad hoc committee which has the power to ensure the guilty are struck off the register.