Hospital shut down for ignoring coronavirus rules

The Ministry of Health shut down a hospital in Riyadh on Monday for not following the set guidelines to treat coronavirus patients.
Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Mirghalani told Arab News that this is the first hospital to be closed on account of the callous attitude of a health facility toward pursuing health regulations.
He said the hospital had ignored several warnings issued earlier to strictly follow the guidelines set out by the ministry. “We cannot compromise with the health of the people,” he said, adding that the ministry had to take this decision in the best interest of the people.
The ministry ordered the closure of the facility based on a report submitted by the field inspection team of the Directorate General of Health Affairs in Riyadh.
The team conducts regular inspection of private facilities in the region to check the quality of services offered in ambulance services, operation theaters and the professional suitability of medics and paramedics employed by these health institutions to ensure quality health care to patients.
Mirghalani said the closure is temporary and the facility could be reopened following the compliance of the requirement of the ministry stipulations. However, the owner of the hospital has to face the penalties for the violations.
“We treat the private sector as strategic partner in providing health services to the people,” he said.
The ministry also operates a 24-hour helpline for members of the public to complain about medical errors and health violations in the Kingdom.
Members of the public can lodge their complaints online or fax the details for necessary action. They can make an online complaint at www.moh.gov.sa or fax their complaint to 0112124196.