RIYADH, 25 August 2007 — The Health Ministry has advised the medical sector to implement standards that would result in safe and accurate health care services in the country within two years.
Dr. Khaled Mirghalani, spokesman for the ministry, said the implementation of health standards aims to minimize medical errors and put an end to risks posed to patients. He added that both patients and hospitals would benefit from following the requirements.
Dr. Mirghalani reaffirmed the Health Ministry’s endeavor to make 2008 the year of quality. He added that the national standard for authorizing health establishments which is due to come into effect in two years is applicable to both the government and private medical establishments.
He pointed out that the two-year grace period starts this month after which licenses would be distributed.
The spokesman added that the Central Council for Health Firms Authorization is determined to offer excellent health care to all citizens and expatriates who deserve quality medical services.
With regard to this, a national committee for standards quality providers, with the participation of the health sectors, has been created. The body has been established by Saudi experts and its implementation in various hospitals and health centers is being supervised by well-trained expatriates.
“Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie is personally monitoring the preparation of the program’s evaluation timetable as well as the deployment of designated expatriate staff to various hospitals and medical centers belonging to the ministry Kingdom-wide,” Mirghalani added.
