Ministry Aid For Man Who Lost Eye in Doctor’s Punch

AJMAN — The Ministry of Health will bear all expenses for the medical treatment of an Emirati man who lost his right eye after an incident at an &Ajman hospital.

By Afkar Abullah & Mohsen Rashid

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Published: Sat 5 Dec 2009, 12:42 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Apr 2015, 1:22 PM

Imran Hassan, 22, was allegedly punched by a doctor at GMC Hospital after an altercation earlier in the week.

Hamad Ubaid Taryam Al Shamsi, Director of Ajman Medical Zone, told Khaleej Times that it was believed that the doctor was wearing a large ring on one of his fingers that led to severe bleeding in the man’s eye and subsequently permanent disability.

Hassan was visited on Thursday evening by Dr Salem Al Darmaki, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health, Hamad Al Shamsi and other officials to check his medical condition and to give him and his family support.

Al Darmaki, speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Hanif Hassan, said strict legal action would be taken.

“The ministry will not keep silent about any misconduct by doctors,” Al Darmaki said.

The incident, on Tuesday afternoon, happened after Hassan visited the hospital for treatment for pain. Family members said Hassan stood in the women’s line as the men’s line was crowded.

Eyewitnesses said the man jumped the queue.

A security guard asked Hassan to stand in the men’s line but Hassan allegedly refused and a fight ensued.

An emergency doctor came out of a nearby room and allegedly punched Hassan in his right eye.

Hassan was transferred to Khalifa Hospital for treatment that evening.

“The severe damage compelled us to conduct an immediate surgery to stop the bleeding and remove the eye that sustained permanent disability,” said Al Shamsi, also director of Khalifa Hospital.

“The medical condition of Hassan is currently stable and he will need further surgeries in his eyes. All treatment costs will be paid by the ministry.”

Dr Inmar Muzafar, eye consultant and surgeon at the hospital, said the wound would take 10 days to heal and Hassan would need an artificial eye and plastic surgery.

Dr Essam Atta, Deputy Director of GMC Hospital, confirmed the incident and said it was regretted.

Atta said the doctor had been working with the hospital for seven years as a committed employee.

Brigadier Ali Abdullah Alwan, Director-General of Ajman Police, said investigation was continuing.& “The doctor was held and testimonies of eyewitnesses, the woman and the security guard were recorded,” Alwan said.

Parents of Hassan said they had been shocked and were worried for the future of their son, who was not working.

The family has filed a lawsuit against the doctor.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.ae


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