As part of the ongoing cooperation and sought-after integration between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the private health sector, as an effective partner in providing health services, and given the pivotal importance of coordination for the benefit of citizens, His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Rabeeah, met this morning with a number of the owners and leaders of the Saudi private health sector, along with the Chairman of the National Health Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers. During this meeting, citizens' health was further reiterated, aiming to gain their satisfaction, and put into effect the MOH slogan: “Patient First”. This includes offering the health services at an affordable price, continuing to promote their quality, and improving the health services provided by the halth sector hospitals, by adopting the health QA standards.
Dr. al-Rabeeah highlighted the message of the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, regarding what the Medical Services General Department at the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has recently observed concerning the frequent hiring of MOH physicians by the private health sector. He gave his directives to interrogate the respective health institutions as per the law, and notifying the MOD about its staff working at other institutions. Dr. al-Rabeeah also placed an emphasis on the remarks conveyed by the Minister of National Guard, His Royal Highness Prince Met'eb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, in this respect. That is to be added to the observations made by the other governmental agencies regarding this issue, and the correspondence of the chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission no. 244/S/2/2/3/2, dated 29/3/1435H in this regard, in addition to the observations lately put forth by the health directorates and MOH hospitals.
In addition to that, Dr. al-Rabeeah stressed the MOH's former instructions obliging the private health sector not to allow any of the physicians, health professionals or any workers at state health facilities, whether they are working under the Civil Service Law, employment programs and contracts, or self-employment contracts, to work at private health institutions in anyway.
Over and above, His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah al-Rabeeah, pointed out that the Cabinet Decision no. 164, dated 8/6/1422H, approving the work rules of Saudi consultant physicians at the governmental health institutions they work for, and not the private health sector. It also included the rules regulating the work of Saudi consultant physicians who are also university staff, in case the private health sector is willing to benefit from their consultations. It has been stipulated that consultations to the private health sector must not exceed three consultations per week, and that the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) must register all consultant physicians before allowing them to work at the private health sector, and renew registration on a yearly basis in case of the concerned university's approval, after the approval of the Minister of Higher Education, pursuant to the respective regulations enclosed with the Cabinet Decision no. 123, dated 12/9/1412H. At the end of the meeting, Dr. al-Rabeeah informed attendees of the circular issued today in this regard.
The meeting was attended by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Health for Health Affairs, Dr. Mansour al-Howasi, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development, Dr. Mohamed Khoshaim, His Excellency the Advisor to the Minister, Supervisor General of Health Relations, Media and Awareness, Dr. Khaled Merghalani, and His Excellency the Deputy Minister for the Private Health Sector Affairs, Dr. Ali al-Zawawi.
This meeting comes within the framework of cooperation and integration between the Ministry of Health and the Private Health Sector, and coordination aiming at all that is in the citizen's favour, thus contributing to improving the health services provided to citizens, and satisfying their health needs in accordance with a fully integrated health system adopted by the two sectors.