RIYADH: Minister of Health Khalid Al-Falih has imposed fines totaling SR79,000 on a number of individuals and private medical facilities due to various violations in Taif.

“The violations included poor storage of drugs, error in the circumcision of a baby boy at a private hospital, among others,” said Department of Health Affairs spokesman in Taif Abdul Hadi Al-Rubaie.

The sanctions followed comments monitored by the health control and follow-up teams of the department in Taif.

Director of Health Affairs Saleh bin Saad eventually conducted an investigation and submitted a report to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

“The imposition of the fines is in accordance with rules and regulations regarding violations among employees and staff of the department,” he said.

He said the fines “have affected a number of health practitioners in government hospitals as well as in some private health facilities in the region.”

He added that the fines were expected to make them more careful about their job.

“There’s so much at stake. It’s not only public health. Citizens are also taking note on how they go about their job,” he said.