The Ministry of Health shuttered 565 health facilities including 12 hospitals, 220 medical complexes, 180 other health institutions in addition to 153 pharmacies in the private sector across the Kingdom over the past six months.
The ministry said in 2130 cases examined by it 849 penal orders were issued against the private establishments including 182 violations of hospitals and 305 violations in medical complexes. The penal actions also included 235 violations of doctors practicing without professional permits, while the violations of commercial pharmacies were put at 183 violations.
Last week the ministry launched a Kingdom-wide campaign against the sale of antibiotics without doctor’s prescriptions. After inspecting 4,480 medical shops 77 violations were discovered, the ministry said.
According to the health regulations in the Kingdom, any illegal sale of antibiotics will be punished with a fine of up to SR100,000, cancellation of the license or imprisonment to six months.
SOURCE : ALBILAD
