Health Minister Abdullah-Al-Rabeeah has banned the private sector from employing government doctors.

The minister made the announcement during a briefing of private hospital directors in Riyadh on Tuesday.

“Government doctors are barred from working at private hospitals even on a part-time basis,” the minister said.

He said the ministry introduced the ban to maintain quality medical services at public hospitals in the Kingdom.

He said circulars have been issued by Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, and National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, stating that government doctors would not be allowed to have private practices.

The minister said that consultants and university professors registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties would be allowed to go for three consultations a week to a private hospital. This concession is for the private sector to maintain the quality of its services in the absence of certain specialized doctors.

He said the ministry does not allow doctors and other health officials in the government sector to undertake any services at private hospitals.

The ministry’s directorates in 20 regions would conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance. He said the ministry finds an average of two violations of this kind monthly.

The minimum fine for a government doctor who violates the regulations is SR10,000, but could go up to SR100,000. The private hospital involved has to pay a fine of between SR50,000 and SR100,000. For a repeat offense, the punishment may include suspending the hospital’s license, he said.

“We treat the private sector as a strategic partner in providing healthcare services to the people,” Al-Rabeeah said.

“Our wish is to encourage the private sector to maintain a high degree of services offered at affordable prices to citizens and residents,” he said.