Fake sick leave certificates on WhatsApp: Four facilities shut down in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has permanently shut down four healthcare facilities in the emirate after investigators uncovered a widespread scheme involving the illegal sale of sick leave certificates via WhatsApp.

In a statement, the department said it closed the facilities and referred their staff to the public prosecution for investigation.

“Investigations revealed that the facilities were unlawfully issuing sick leave certificates through WhatsApp without conducting any medical examinations, in exchange for money,” the department said in a statement.

The facilities were found to have falsified patient records and submitted improper claims to health insurance providers.

The department urged all healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi to strictly comply with the regulations and standards in order to safeguard public health and maintain the highest levels of service quality, transparency, accountability, and trust in the healthcare system.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.