Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah approved a fine of SR110,000 on a medical warehouse for violations of health regulations in the Kingdom.

An official from the Ministry of Health said yesterday: “The fine imposed on the facility was based on reports submitted by the field inspection team of the Directorate General of Health Affairs in the Eastern Province.” During the inspection it was revealed that the warehouse for storing pharmaceutical products was not maintaining the temperature required. The warehouse was also stored products in unhygienic conditions posing a health hazard to consumers. According to the ministry's official, the team conducts regular inspections of private facilities in the region to check the quality of services offered in ambulance services, medical warehouses, operation theaters and the professional credibility of medics and paramedics employed at these facilities.

He pointed out that some 98,000 medical practitioners, 130 private hospitals, 2000 polyclinics and 7000 pharmacies are supervised by various directorates of Health Affairs throughout the Kingdom.

Each directorate has a fully competent inspection team to check violations of health regulations in the country, he said, adding that recently the Ministry of Health has opened a helpline for the public to complain about medical errors and health violations in the Kingdom.

“People can make their complaints online at www.moh.gov.sa or directly fax the details on 0112124196,” he said.