His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, has stressed on the necessity that the companies and institutions of the medical equipment, which have direct dealings with the Ministry of Health (MOH), have to embrace the principles of “integrity, transparency and quality.”
In the same vein, Dr. Al-Rabeeah has confirmed that MOH pursues a new approach based on transparency and clarity. Consequently, its partner has to be characterized by a great deal of accountability, integrity and transparency; in order to give rise to the concept of partnership.
In his address to the companies' representatives, during his meeting with them on Saturday morning at the meeting hall of MOH in Riyadh, His Excellency has said: “Whoever doesn't abide by these principles, has to be aware that it will be unwelcome for MOH to go on dealing with him anymore, stemming of its staunch belief in these principles and according to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on the necessity of achieving these principles, in order to ensure a partnership based on clear frameworks serving the patient at the first place."
Moreover, Dr. Al-Rabeeah has underscored that the companies of the medical equipment represent a strategic partner of MOH, and must not limit their daily dealings to just buying equipment, but also to go beyond that for a sustainable partnership. They have also to be keen on the quality, safety, and providing the latest international equipment.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Rabeeah has urged the representatives of the medical equipment companies to transfer the technology and industry, and localize them in the Kingdom, and not to limit their role to only sale and purchase. Besides, he made clear that MOH will stand as a strategic partner in order to support this trend and facilitate the procedures within the existing systems, meanwhile calling upon the companies to pay attention to the community-based programs, and supporting researches that serve the interests of the nation, and health awareness.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Rabeeah has proposed organizing a number of joint workshops between MOH and the related companies; in an endeavor to overcome all the difficulties faced by both parties. This proposal was accepted by all.
For his part, MOH Undersecretary of Supply and Engineering Affairs, Dr. Salah Al-Mazrou, has stated that the meeting came at the directives of the Minister of Health, aiming at promoting the spirit of cooperation between MOH and the companies of the medical equipment, as well as considering the observations and obstacles during work between both parties, which will be reflected positively on upgrading the health services; especially because MOH is about to equip 29 new hospitals during the current year, which requires exerting more effort, and trying to identify the difficulties of speedy supply, and providing the equipment on time.