What is the ruling on accidentally giving a patient an overdose of insulin, which led to their death?
If a patient dies due to an overdose administered by the physician, this is a wrongful killing for which the physician must offer expiation, and his 'aqilah (male agnatic relatives) must pay the blood money (diyah). The diyah can be delivered to the patient's family either directly or indirectly. If the physician informs the patient's family about what truly happened, explains to them that errors are possible in medicine, and that he is committed to fulfilling his religious obligations, and offers them condolences in a way that comforts them, explaining that this was Allah's decree, then it is hoped that no harm will come to the physician.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 113819
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy