Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah suspended a doctor in the private sector for medical errors and breach of health regulations on Tuesday.

The decision to suspend the doctor was taken by the minister upon recommendation made by a special committee, which investigated the allegations against the medical practitioner.

The special committee comprises members from the Ministries of Justice, Higher Education and Health.

The Health Ministry has deployed an investigations committee to conduct regular inspections of private facilities in health domains to check the quality of services offered in ambulance services, operation theaters and the professional suitability of medics and paramedics employed by these health institutions to ensure quality health care to patients.

Besides dealing with medical errors and violations, a ministry official said that reasons for punitive action include working without licenses or functioning with expired licenses, employing lack of trained medical staff and the absence of proper facilities and equipment. The closure of some of these medical facilities is temporary and they can be reopened once the irregularities are rectified, he added.

The official said that punitive action reflects the ministry’s concern for the safety and welfare of patients. He further warned that negligence and recklessness on the part of health providers would not be tolerated by the government and that stern action would be taken against such violators based on the seriousness of the violations.

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

The Health Ministry closed down 30 medical complexes, 15 polyclinics, 29 pharmacies, 27 optical houses and five physiotherapy centers for violations last year. During this period, the ministry also collected SR3.75 million in fines from such violators, which included SR1.98 million from pharmacies.

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

“Members of the public can file their complaints online or they can directly fax the details for action,” he said ,adding that they can make an online complaint on www.moh.gov.sa or fax 0112124196