Ahmed Ali Al-Kenani Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — An official of the Anti-Corruption Commission who was sent to investigate allegations of substandard healthcare services in Qunfudah governorate has confirmed several shortcomings at hospitals in the region, a commission source said. The probe followed reports in the local media about complaints from citizens, which include non-availability of many medical specializations at Qunfudah General Hospital and the delay in getting appointments. The source said the hospital did not have enough number of neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, dermatologists and internists. The investigator also discovered expired medicines at the hospital's pharmacy. The pharmacy's cooling system was malfunctioning, which affected the effectiveness of certain types of medicines. About the long wait for medical appointments, the source said the investigator noticed the absence of the clerk responsible for appointments at the out-patient clinics. And when he showed up, he gave appointments only after noon prayers. There was also a drastic shortage of lab equipment and the X-ray machines were out of order. The commission has informed the Ministry of Health of its findings and called for an investigation into the negligence and shortcomings at the hospital.
