JAZAN: Passers-by were surprised on Wednesday to see a private health center in Jazan had thrown out patient files complete with all health documents and personal information onto Prince Sultan Road.

A large number of patient files had been thrown from the top of the center onto the public street, creating a huge pile. The situation prompted anger from citizens and residents, who called the move “irresponsible and unacceptable.”

Ali Asriri, who was present at the site, said the files include medical and personal information of patients, including copies of their identity cards, official statements and phone numbers. He said disposal of these files on a public street makes it easy for anyone to abuse this information and cause tremendous harm.

Abdullah Al-Arafi said there are regulatory and safe ways to dispose of such important files and information if these files are no longer needed, and called on authorities to hold the center accountable for carelessness and the unprofessional manner of protecting information entrusted to it.