The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) conducted more than 5,787 field visits to private medical facilities and over 54 judicial seizures in coordination with strategic partners during the year 2021, to ensure the optimal use and availability of medical products and services to serve the health of individuals and society.
In addition, the ministry investigated over 233 complaints, inspected approved PCR testing labs, and confirmed the availability of the strategic stockpile of medical supplies.
The ministry is continuing its campaigns to ensure that facilities comply with the requirements of practicing medicine. This is part of its strategy to implement national standards for health facilities, strengthen its supervisory role, and ensure that the community receives healthcare services in accordance with the highest international standards.
Ensuring quality practices
"Throughout the year, the Ministry conducts daily field visits to medical facilities to ensure compliance of practices with the health laws and legislation in force, while establishing the quality and prices of the products," said Dr. Hessa Mubarak, Director of the Control, Audit, and Inspection Department, adding "The Control Department also monitors health advertisements on social media and investigates individual complaints about medical facilities and products."
Inspection requirements
She emphasized that the purpose of these inspections is to prevent violations of medical facility safety standards, such as practicing the medical profession without a license from the ministry, failing to dispose of medical waste in accordance with local and international laws and standards, poor pharmaceutical product storage, and failing to comply with the medical and technical safety requirements for operating rooms.
Furthermore, it includes a failure to comply with engineering standards, and hygiene and sterilization instructions for medical instruments, a lack of a ventilation system, manipulation in the records of dispensing controlled medicines, and the distribution of antibiotics without a prescription, all of which have a negative impact on societal security.
Dr. Hessa said that the ministry values the private medical facilities' commitment to health laws and regulations, as they are partners in advancing the health system. She affirmed that the ministry pays utmost attention to patients' feedback on the medical sector in order to promote and protect the health of the community.