Abu Dhabi shuts 4 clinics over fake sick leave certificates through WhatsApp

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), announced the closure of four healthcare facilities pending the referral of their staff to the Public Prosecution for interrogation.

The facilities were found to have violated Abu Dhabi’s laws and regulations by issuing sick leave certificates to individuals without their physical presence for medical examinations, in return for money.

The DoH detailed that the four facilities issued sick leave certificates through WhatsApp, in return for Dhs100 per day of the sick leave, without the individuals visiting the facilities.

These leaves fraudulently are recorded in the individuals’ medical files with forged signatures on treatment consent forms. The crime was coordinated among the four facilities through specific individuals managing the distribution of these fraudulent sick leaves.

The DoH urged all healthcare facilities in the emirate to adhere to its standards and regulations to ensure the health and safety of the community. It emphasised the importance of continuing to provide healthcare services in line with global best practices and the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and reliability.