ICU Head Faces Criminal Charges for Hastening Death

Dr. EE, the head of the intensive care unit at Rashid Hospital in Dubai and another physician are accused of murdering their patient Ghulam Mohammed.

Mr. Mohammed, a quadriplegic, was in a critical condition and needed continuous monitoring because of chronic heart complications.  Prosecutors say that two days before Mr. Mohammed died, Dr. EE issued orders that he was not be resuscitated if he suffered a heart attack.  Dr. EE also allegedly removed an oxygen monitor and other life support apparatus.  And he ordered an increase in the dosage of morphine and a decrease in the quantity of oxygen below the necessary limit for the ICU patients.  

Euthanasia is illegal under UAE federal law, and doctors are required to revive patients regardless of the patients’ wishes. It is also forbidden under Sharia.  The trial will reconvene on August 7.  (The National;  Khaleej Times;  Gulf News)