The Ministry of Health (MoH) imposed fines on health facilities in Asir, Madinah and in the Eastern Province for various health violations.

According to the Ministry of Health’s spokesman, the management of a medical warehouse was fined SR100,000 since the store has been used to stock medicine without proper licensing from the government.

In addition, the MoH imposed separate fines of SR10,000 on two pharmacies for operating without a valid license.

The spokesman said the facilities were closed based on reports submitted by a field inspection team.

The official explained that the MoH team conducts regular inspection raids on private facilities in the region to monitor the quality of services offered in ambulance services and operation theaters and to assess the professional suitability of medics and paramedics employed by these health institutions to ensure quality healthcare to patients. He highlighted that the action taken against the management of these facilities reflects the ministry’s concern for the safety and welfare of patients.

He said that the government would not tolerate negligence and recklessness on the part of health providers and that stern action will be taken against such violators based on the seriousness of the violations.

“We treat the private sector as strategic partners in providing health services to citizens and residents and we want them to offer quality services with a ‘patients first’ vision in their ventures,” the official said.

In 2012, Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched a “patient first” program, which highlighted the quality and vision of medical care expected from health providers for patients in the Kingdom.