Dr. Khaled Mirghalani, spokesman for the ministry, said the program is aimed at improving the efficiency of public health institutions, raising monitoring levels, increasing the quality of health services, developing manpower capabilities and strengthening infrastructure.
"We have already started implementing some points of this program and results have been good," said Mirghalani.
The consultative meeting has decided to focus on the management of beds at hospitals in all parts of the Kingdom to achieve optimum operational efficiency.
He disclosed plans to expand daylong surgery programs at public hospitals. At present, 33 percent of hospitals provide this service. "Some 3,632 surgical operations have been carried out during the last three months under this program," he said.
Mirghalani said efforts would be intensified to facilitate the transfer of patients to specialized hospitals. Executive councils will be set up in provinces in order to help take collective and prudent decisions. "The ministry is also in the process of enacting bylaws for all departments and health facilities," he said.
Mirghalani emphasized the ministry's plan to revise regulations for issuing medical licenses. "The minister wants health directors to meet beneficiaries of health services to hear their complaints and requirements," he said.
He added that the ministry intends to expand its home health care program. "More than 1,500 patients have been treated under this service so far," Mirghalani added. The expansion will lead to improvements in operation room services, visiting-doctor and health awareness programs. Services of specialized doctors would be made available to patients living in remote areas.
Mirghalani said the meeting also looked into the thorny issue of medical mistakes. "We'll set out a clear methodology to monitor medical mistakes and find out their reasons," he said. A team of experts would be formed to inspect health facilities and the performance of different departments.
He said the ministry would conduct intensive training programs for its staff to enhance their capabilities, adding that they would be trained within and outside the Kingdom. "We'll benefit a lot from the agreements signed by Saudi universities with their foreign counterparts," he said, adding that a pioneers' recognition program will be introduced to honor efficient and hardworking staff.
Mirghalani said the minister has instructed all health officials in provinces and cities not to take individual decisions. Rather they should consult other officials before and give priority to winning the satisfaction of patients and protecting their health.
