WMA Advises Physicians About Working in The United Arab Emirates

The World Medical Association will alert all physicians about the risks of working in the United Arab Emirates, following the case of Professor Cyril Karabus, the retired paediatric oncologist, who remains on bail in the UAE despite being absolved of manslaughter charges against him.

At their Council meeting in Bali, WMA delegates expressed their extreme concern that Prof. Karabus, who was arrested in August last year in relation to the death of a child under his care in the UAE in 2002, is awaiting a further court hearing next week.

They passed a resolution saying that Prof. Karabus is believed to have been treated in a manner ‘which fails to meet international fair trial standards and he should be allowed to return home immediately’.

The meeting also decided that in the light of this experience, the WMA will publish an advisory notice in the World Medical Journal and on the WMA website advising doctors thinking of working in the UAE to note the working conditions and the legal risks of employment there. The WMA will also encourage its 102 member associations to publish similar advisory notices in their national publications.

Dr. Cecil Wilson, President of the WMA, said: ‘The expert medical panel appointed by the court to advise it on whether there was any evidence against Professor Karabus, advised the judge that there was no evidence to support the case. The judge dismissed all charges and a ruling of not guilty was given.

‘The prosecutors have appealed the court’s ruling. This means that Professor Karabus has to remain in the United Arab Emirates indefinitely. We regard this with the gravest concern and are appealing to the UAE authorities to allow Professor Karabus to return home’.