Beyond any shadow of doubt, the Saudi government is making all-out efforts to improve the standard of living in the Kingdom. Not a day is passed without the announcement of a new public service aimed at making the lives of citizens easier.

However, when it comes to the health care services there is a great need to introduce best management practices and proper checks and balances in this sector.

Many hospitals throughout Saudi Arabia, particularly in the southern part of the country, are notorious for substandard health care practices and have been the target of sensational news reports of poor medical treatment. It’s no secret that those who could afford to seek medical care in a foreign country choose to do so.

Not all health services can be lumped together, and the National Guard Health Affairs stands out as an exemplary model of efficiency, safety and excellent treatment in the health sector.

A friend and colleague of mine, a British subject from Northern Ireland, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. National Guard physicians strongly recommended that she remained in Saudi Arabia for an aggressive treatment that included surgery to remove the tumor and a regime of eight chemotherapy sessions.

The doctors emphasized the difference between National Guard care and the treatment she would receive from the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Treatment would be faster and the quality of her medicines would be superior. The NHS has a long waiting list for treatment of cancer patients and its medicines are usually generic.

My friend could have written off the doctors’ recommendations as a severe case of Saudi national pride. I had lived in England for five years and often took advantage of the NHS’ services, so I am a great fan of the British medical care system. But I also never had a serious illness, so I can’t say I really put their services to the test.

But like any smart patient, my friend flew home for a second opinion. When she outlined the program the Saudi physicians had set up for her to her British medical team, one doctor said, “Are there any jobs down there?” Not only was he impressed with the treatment available in Saudi Arabia, he agreed her care would be far better than anything the NHS could offer.

Saudi Arabia often gets a bad rap for its medical care, but it’s a rare day that National Guard Health Affairs makes for negative news. My own National Guard OB/GYN, who was in charge of my prenatal care before the birth of my daughter, was equally responsive to my concerns and fears as a new mother and spent considerable time explaining to me the progress of the baby. When I chose to have my daughter born in the United States, he wrote a detailed report for the doctor in California. The US doctor followed the report to the letter.

In sharp contrast to the National Guard’s reputation, are the hospitals and physicians under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Here lies an image of the Saudi health care system in tatters. A recent video posted online depicted the filthy conditions at King Fahd Hospital Rehabilitation Center in Jeddah where long-term terminal patients were exposed to cockroaches in the same bed in which they were sleeping.

Since Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ascended to the throne, a number of actions have been taken to correct serious flaws in government and private sector hospitals. To the Ministry of Health’s credit, they quickly remedied the deplorable conditions at King Fahd Hospital.

It’s bewildering that the hospitals and doctors under the supervision of the Health Ministry do not adhere to the same standards in medical personnel, hygiene and equipment as the National Guard. The lack of rigorous attention to rules and regulations also keeps many hospitals from obtaining high standards in care.

Recently, a hospital hired a 67-year-old physician to head its kidney dialysis center when the mandatory cutoff age for hiring doctors is 60. Not only was the doctor far beyond the cutoff age, but he also had no expertise in the field of kidney dialysis. Instead of looking for a doctor with the correct qualifications, the hospital altered its newly hired doctor’s age to make him eligible for employment. Cutting corners like these helps nobody, least of all the patient.

It’s no wonder that Saudis go abroad for medical treatment.