Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has closed down 31 private health institutions in various parts of the Kingdom during January for committing various violations, Al-Watan reported on Wednesday. Dr. Ali Al-Zawawi, the ministry's assistant undersecretary for the affairs of the private health sector, said medical violations committees recorded 290 violations committed by private health institutions and pharmacies in various parts of the Kingdom. He said a total of 94 violations were registered against the medical and technical employees of some of these institutions. Al-Zawawi said through its medical violations committees and its Shariah medical committees, the ministry would continue to closely watch the performance of all private health institutions throughout the Kingdom. “The ministry is determined to see to it that the private health facilities are thoroughly committed to the required standards and specifications and that they extend satisfactory services to the patients,” he said. The assistant undersecretary asked all private health institutions to extend quality services to the patients that would satisfy their medical needs. The ministry is giving “utmost attention to the supervision, monitoring and inspection of private health facilities through its supervisory and inspection committees.” The ministry has asked citizens and the expatriates to inform it about any shortcomings in private medical establishments through its website (www.moh.gov.sa) or via its fax number 0112 124 196. “The ministry will not hesitate to take punitive action against any violating private health institution,” the assistant undersecretary warned.
