The jurisdiction of medical disputes panels in Saudi Arabia has been transferred to the general judiciary under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the ministries of justice and health announced after signing a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the new system. "The general judiciary will completely assume this jurisdiction according to the implementing mechanism for transferring the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial panels," explained a statement issued by the MoJ. "The transfer will contribute to increased efficiency and unifying the jurisdictional authority of the Ministry of Justice." The Supreme Judicial Council has formed several specialized judicial panels at the appellate court and general court in Riyadh. Judges and assistant judges on the panels have been selected based on relevant qualifications, proficiency and experience. The MoJ also enables remote interpretation for non-Arabic speakers through the ministry's unified translation center. It also cooperates with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties through the ministry's Khibrah platform, which facilitates assigning expert witnesses. The jurisdiction transferred to the general judiciary covers medical error cases; medical malpractice cases regarding private rights; and medical malpractice leading to death, damage of an organ or loss of total or partial use thereof, even in the absence of a claim for a private right. Digital integration between the two ministries reflected effective partnership and institutional cooperation. — SG
