Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia face legal action for social media violations

The Saudi Ministry of Health has taken action against several healthcare practitioners who posted inappropriate content on social media. (MoH)
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  • Ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, SPA reported Sunday
  • In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has taken action against several healthcare practitioners who posted inappropriate content on social media.

The ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Violations included posting indecent content, using improper language, breaching workplace policies, mistreating patients and sharing an inappropriate video featuring a hospitalized patient.

The offending practitioners were identified in Riyadh, Jazan and Tabuk, the SPA reported.

In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action.

The enforcement supports the ministry’s role in upholding professional standards, healthcare quality and patient rights.

“This action stems from our commitment to ensuring compliance with professional standards in healthcare practice,” the ministry said.

It emphasized that healthcare professionals must comply with regulations to serve public and individual interests while respecting dignity and safety.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties’ Code of Medical Ethics prohibits patient filming except for approved purposes, with violations risking license revocation. Practitioners are also barred from self-promotion except in authorized cases.

Under the Cybercrime Law, violators face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and fines of up to SR3 million ($799,000) for producing content that breaches public values.