Due to manipulation of medical records and the employment of unlicensed practitioners, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health in the United Arab Emirates has decided to close several healthcare facilities and suspend their staff pending the completion of investigations.

Reports from the Abu Dhabi Department of Health indicate that serious violations were discovered at the aforementioned medical facilities during recent routine inspection and monitoring campaigns. The department has decided to refer the cases to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.

According to official statements and based on the department's investigations during the inspections, it was found that these healthcare facilities issued numerous sick leave certificates without conducting actual medical examinations or the patients actually attending, in exchange for payment.

The department also found evidence of manipulation of medical records at these facilities, the employment of unlicensed practitioners, and violations of approved licensing requirements.

Based on the foregoing, it was decided to close these medical facilities and suspend their licenses, which will remain in effect until the investigations are concluded and disciplinary and legal proceedings are completed.

Finally, the authority clarified that it will continue to intensify its recent inspection campaigns and oversight procedures, adding that it will not tolerate, under any circumstances, any practices by any medical facility suspected of violating healthcare regulations in the country.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health in the United Arab Emirates clarified that these recent and stringent measures underscore the authority's commitment to the safety and security of the healthcare sector as a "red line" that cannot be crossed, even in the smallest of cases.

The department added that serious practices such as "selling sick leave certificates" not only have administrative repercussions but also severely undermine the integrity of the medical sector, leading to a waste of financial resources for health insurance companies.

It also emphasized that employing unlicensed practitioners, particularly in the medical field, places patients in the hands of individuals who have not passed the required professional examinations and standards.

Consequently, those found guilty of these practices may face hefty fines, permanent disbarment from practicing medicine, and imprisonment in cases of forgery and illicit enrichment.