RIYADH, 24 March — A health department official in Jeddah has been suspended for allegedly swindling the department of SR3 million, informed sources have told Arab News. A Health Ministry panel is questioning the official and others involved in the scandal.
The official was accused of demanding a percentage from health contracts from companies and individuals in return for his approval of them. The man is also accused of selling ministry visas and employing its workers in private firms.
This scandal surfaced at a time when the ministry is planning to issue new regulations in a bid to prevent bribery, forgery and the exploitation of personal authority for private ends.
The new regulations state that no senior administrative official will be allowed to remain in the same job for more than four years.
A ministry panel assigned to monitor forgery and bribery cases has advised the ministry that officials holding leadership posts in various departments must be both well qualified and well experienced as a prerequisite for them taking up the post. “These officials should also have a reputation for being trustworthy and honest, and should have an unblemished record in office,” an official source quoted the panel as advising the ministry.
The ministry was also advised regularly to check on officials during their probation period, to make sure they are equipped to handle the job.
“If they are not, they should be sent back to the Ministry of Civil Service or shifted to another position,” the source said.
At the same time, qualified and excellent officials must be given encouragement by being promoted to higher grades, provided with advanced training and sent abroad on training and specialist courses, the panel told the ministry.
The Health Ministry is now following the American example in implementing hospital operation and maintenance contracts.
According to a recent survey, hospitals run by their own staff have a higher productivity rate compared to those run by contracting companies. At the same time, hospitals operated by specialist firms have a better-run administration.
