Four doctors of a government hospital in Al-Qassim were fined and summoned to a disciplinary inquiry to face charges of gross violation of health regulations.

A senior official from the Ministry of Health told Arab News on Thursday that the punitive action was taken on instructions from Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who is keen on offering the best health services in all parts of the Kingdom.

The department of private sector facilities at the MoH recommended the disciplinary action based on reports submitted by a field inspection team of the Directorate General of Health Affairs in the Al-Qassim region. The official did not disclose the amount of fines slapped on the doctors. He, however, added that the amount will be determined based on the nature of violations.

According to the report, the four doctors were working in the emergency department of the government hospital and had presented inaccurate reports on patients admitted in the ward.

He said the team conducts regular inspection of private and public sector facilities in the region to check the quality of services offered in ambulance services, operation theaters and professional suitability of medics and paramedics employed by these health institutions to ensure quality health care to patients.

Pointing out that the action taken against the violators reflected the ministry’s concern for the safety and welfare of patients, he warned that negligence and recklessness on the part of health providers will not be tolerated by the government and stern action will be taken against such violators based on the seriousness of the violations.

In 2012, Al-Rabeeah launched a “Patients First” program, which highlighted the care expected from health providers for patients in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Health has also opened a helpline for members of the public to register their complaints about medical errors and health violations in the Kingdom.

Members of the public can lodge their complaints online or they can directly fax the details for necessary action. An online complaint can be filed with www.moh.gov.sa or faxed to 0112124196.