The Saudi Ministry of Health recently apprehended an expatriate female health practitioner engaged in illegal practice within a specialized medical complex.

During an inspection conducted by the Ministry of Health, it was discovered that the practitioner lacked the necessary qualifications for the specialty she was practicing. Additionally, she was found to be engaging in continuous advertisement of a commercial nature without any scientific basis. As a result, the ministry imposed a temporary suspension of her health profession license for four months.

This violation was identified during routine monitoring and inspection activities conducted by the ministry's compliance teams, which also monitor social media platforms to ensure patient safety, public health, and the integrity of the medical profession.

The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of complying with health regulations, preventive measures, and procedures in the Kingdom, urging the public to seek health services only from licensed individuals and entities. Displaying licenses in service-providing areas was highlighted as a patient's right.

It urged individuals to avoid unqualified individuals posing as medical practitioners and places unauthorized to provide health services. The ministry reiterated that its regulations aim to protect the rights of both practitioners and patients, ensuring patient safety and upholding the integrity of the medical profession.

Under the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions, practicing any health profession without a license is prohibited (Article 2), as is examining patients in unauthorized locations (Article 13). Furthermore, Article 10 prohibits health practitioners from direct or intermediary advertising and publicity.