Saeed Al Khotani Saudi Gazette RIYADH — The Ministry of Health (MoH) will procure more healthcare services from the private sector health providers, according to Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah. “Current services bought from private sector healthcare providers amounts to SR300 million, but the figure is expected to increase this year. The majority of services bought focus on dialysis," Al-Rabeeah said at a press conference Sunday following the signage of a host of healthcare contracts worth over SR4 billion. Commenting on the significance of these projects, Al-Rabeeah said, “Once the hospital projects are finished, we will start adding more beds in the Kingdom's hospitals. Thus, gradually attaining the average bed ratio of 35 for every 10,000 people like other developed countries." The population of the Kingdom is estimated to be around 25 million, and presently there are 22 beds for every 10,000 people, according to MoH statistics. The health minister said the ministry is constantly working to improve the provision of healthcare services. Last year the ministry introduced “excellence allowance" for individuals. The allowance is given to those healthcare professionals who do a commendable job. It is basically given at the end of the month with the salary. “For institutional performance, the ministry will soon implement a referral system for patients to transfer them to other hospitals, as that will enable them to refer any case within 48 hours, thus avoiding delays," Al-Rabeeah said, adding that the ministry will closely monitor the performance of the private sector healthcare facilities as well. “We will not hesitate to impose a fine or shutdown any facility that commit any medical malpractice or violate healthcare practicing law. The violators will be publicly shamed," Al-Rabeeah said.
