Assistant Deputy Minister of Curative Medicine, Dr. Aqeel Al Ghamdi, recently announced that 100 health centers will implement quality and accreditation policies and procedures as a first phase of the strategy for primary healthcare. The strategy was recently approved by The Executive Board of the Ministry of Health during its third meeting, held under the chairmanship of His Excellency the Minister of Health.
During the opening of “Policies and Procedures of Accreditation Standards in Primary Healthcare” on Monday, Dr. Al Ghamdi clarified that the first phase includes the application of these standards by five healthcare centers in each region of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry, represented by the Health Centers General department, prepared the basic requirements for applying these standards in terms of manpower, medical and non-medical supplies, and directories of programs, specialized committees and various policies which have been discussed with primary healthcare assistants. The Ministry’s role includes a plan of action and specific procedures for everyone to follow.
Almost thirty years ago, the Kingdom began the practical application of primary healthcare programs, which at the time numbered about eight. In1993, qualitative quality program was introduced then applied on all existing programs; covering about 11 topics.
The number of specialized programs within primary healthcare has reached 23, all of which are included in the accreditation standards system. Another group of programs will be included after review. This course will enhance the skills of regional staff and help health centers to meet the requirements for applying the first stage of the quality standards system.