Covid-19: Lawsuits against Dubai healthcare firms suspended

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Dubai - The move comes as part of efforts to sustain and support healthcare firms amid the pandemic.

by

Marie Nammour

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Published: Thu 3 Sep 2020, 11:46 PM

Last updated: Sat 5 Sep 2020, 3:21 AM

Lawsuits and execution orders against healthcare establishments fighting Covid-19 in Dubai shall be suspended over the next six months, according to a new decree issued by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council.
The resolution, which came into effect from September 1, stipulates that court proceedings for cases filed against healthcare firms - which have been providing services in the fight against Covid-19 - shall be deferred. These include claims, complaints, appeals, mandates, and execution orders.
Orders to seize properties, bank accounts, cars, shares, bonds and trade licences - which were imposed as of January 1, 2020 - shall also be lifted, cancelled and suspended, according to the decree.
The move comes as part of efforts to sustain and support healthcare firms amid the pandemic. Following a session held on May 31, the UAE Cabinet instructed judicial councils across the country to give consideration to establishments in the medical sector that are on the front lines of the Covid-19 battle.

Lawyer Hani Hammouda of Kefah Al Zaabi Firm for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy (L) and Dr Essam Soliman Atta, associate director for the business development and medical affairs healthcare division at Thumbay Group of Hospitals (R).
Lawyer Hani Hammouda of Kefah Al Zaabi Firm for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy hailed the decision as a timely initiative.
"Considering the extra burden and heavy pressure the medical entities have been having to deal with because of Covid-19, this decree has been issued to consider their legal circumstances and alleviate repercussions. It helps keep the medical sector standing on its feet as per the guidelines and vision of the wise leadership," Hammouda said.

Thanking the UAE Government for the initiative, the lawyer added: "Hospitals that have been overwhelmed because of the global pandemic will find a breather in this decision. It will spare them some legal hassle. Covid-19 has added to their already busy schedule so they will be very grateful to this kind gesture."

'A big help for medical sector'

For Dr Essam Soliman Atta, associate director for the business development and medical affairs healthcare division at Thumbay Group of Hospitals, the resolution would be a big help for medical entities at this time.

"During the pandemic, many hospitals and medical centres were financially affected, especially the ones that were treating Covid-19 cases. Their financial revenues dwindled due to the exceptional Covid-19-imposed circumstances. They have had to shoulder an extra enormous pressure as they received the cases. It kind of depleted their resources, so this decision is significantly timely to sustain them and keep them in business," Dr Atta said.
mary@khaleejtimes.com


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