DOCTORS facing malpractice probes are being "tried by media" because of Press leaks from within the Health Ministry, says a key medical figure. Details of investigations that should be confidential have been repeatedly leaked by media 'moles', said Bahrain Medical Society (BMS) chairman Dr Ahmed Jamal.

This has led to the naming and shaming of doctors, before the inquiry has even been concluded, he complained.

"We have been concerned by such reports that, more often than not, are inaccurate and have caused us embarrassment," Dr Jamal told the GDN.

"We are not against investigations that are carried out and always fully co-operate with the authorities.

"But reports that appear before the investigations are completed are improper."

He cited the recent case of two senior Salmaniya Medical Complex Accident and Emergency Department doctors, who were being investigated for the death of a sickle cell patient a year ago, allegedly due to negligence.

"The final report is yet to appear, but the Press has already declared them guilty and their names have appeared in a section of the media as well," said Dr Jamal.

"Someone somewhere leaked that information."

He said the BMS will support the ministry in setting up a panel to formulate a code of ethics for local medical professionals.

"We can offer our expertise in terms of professional competence and knowledge of patients' problems," said Dr Jamal.

"We also demand that the BMS be involved in every investigation that is launched by the ministry. "We have to have a say in this. For too long we have been ignored." He said the BMS not being involved in the probe also led to allegations amongst its members of "unfair" investigations and created a sense of being victimised.