ray units, hijama (blood cupping) centers and children's clinic here have been ordered closed after they were found to be working against health norms. Dr. Sami Badawood, Director of Health affairs in Jeddah, said his department has ordered the closure of these centers as several malpractices were detected in the course of periodical inspections by health officials. Both government and private hospitals and clinics are regularly visited by health officials to prevent any violation of health norms set by the Ministry of Health. “We will be strict with any violation committed by the health centers,” warned Dr. Badawood. A clinic in Gharnata Street is running a lab and x-ray department without the approval of the Ministry of Health,” said Khodran Al-Harthi, head of the inspection team. Mahmoud Abduljawad, Private Sectors Health Affairs Assistant, said all medical centers, hospitals and pharmacies are required to follow rules and regulations set by the ministry. Severe punishments including revoking of licenses are envisaged for any violation, he said. __
