The Board of Grievances on Sunday canceled the penalties imposed by the Health Affairs Directorate on a health center in Jeddah. The directorate has decided to appeal the verdict. The owner of a health center in a lawsuit before the Board of Grievances had questioned the formation of the committee that imposed fine on the center. He maintained that the inspection was carried out by only two members as against the stipulated three. Moreover, the inspection was carried out after working hours, again in contravention of the rules. The owner said he was not summoned in writing for the investigation and was not given a chance to defend himself. Furthermore, the committee did not include among its members any medical consultant, which again is a violation of the regulations. The Health Affairs Directorate maintained that the center violated Article 3 of the Private Health Institutions Regulation by not abiding by proper procedures for sterilizing tools being used in dental clinic. After hearing both the sides, the Board of Grievances nullified the penalties imposed on the center and granted the directorate the right to appeal the verdict.
