Forensic Official: Medical Malpractice in Iran is Increasing

The head of the forensic organization reported a 21% increase in the conviction of doctors and stated that the statistics of 'medical malpractice' in Iran are on the rise. According to Iranian news agencies, Ahmad Shojaei said on Tuesday (July 3) at a press conference that the medical malpractice commission's cases in the year 1395 (2016) numbered 7,214, marking a 27% increase. The head of the forensic organization added that 4,088 of these cases, or 56%, resulted in acquittals, while 44% led to convictions. He also mentioned that the forensic organization handled 1,760,853 medical cases in 1395, which is over a 2% increase compared to 1394. According to this official, 'the highest complaints, with 1,157 cases, were related to obstetrics and gynecology,' and general surgery saw a 54.7% increase compared to 1394, ranking second after obstetrics and gynecology. The head of the forensic organization also noted that 731 medical malpractice cases were formed in the orthopedic surgery sector, with 242 cases resulting in convictions, showing a 21% increase. Shojaei also reported the formation of 686 medical malpractice cases in dentistry, with 432 of them leading to convictions, which is an increase of over 26%. Meanwhile, he stated that 522 cases were formed in the general medical sector, with 282 resulting in convictions, indicating a growth of over 42%. In another part of his speech, Shojaei announced the submission of Abbas Kiarostami's medical case to the forensic organization, stating that 'this case must be judged based on the statements and evidence available, which is a very difficult task.' He added that 'the cause of death cannot be precisely determined. The medical system formed a team and provided a summary opinion, but the forensic organization has not officially provided an opinion.' Shojaei continued, 'Given that an autopsy was not performed, the cause of death cannot be accurately stated.' According to statistics from the forensic organization, the conviction rate of doctors has also been increasing from 1391 to 1394. The forensic organization's report indicated that in 1391, out of a total of 4,714 medical complaints, 2,051 resulted in convictions. This number of complaints rose to 7,381 in 1394, with 3,023 of them resulting in convictions. On June 22 of this year, Bashir Khaliqi, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Parliament, described the 27% increase in medical malpractice in 1395 as 'concerning.' Khaliqi stated that 'some negligence' by doctors has led to an increase in public complaints. Yahya Kamali-Pour, the deputy head of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Parliament, attributed the rise in medical malpractice cases to the lack of deterrent punishment for offenders, stating that 'the Islamic Penal Code has not been able to provide the necessary deterrence in reducing medical malpractice.'