Closure of two health centers, a clinic, a laboratory, a dental center, and a private clinic due to violations compromising patient safety

Abdulkarim Al-Abdullah: Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued orders to close two health centers, a clinic, a dental center, and a private clinic, in addition to suspending laboratory activities at one clinic, pending the completion of procedures and investigations by the Medical Liability Authority.

The decisions were based on statements from the Health Licensing Administration and inspection committee reports, which documented violations related to patient safety, compliance with licenses, and the regulations governing the practice of health professions.

The violations included a nurse performing laser procedures on a patient in contravention of professional standards, a dentist conducting radiographic imaging without a license to practice radiology, and the provision of services and advertising of specialties outside the scope of approved licenses for facilities and practitioners.

In one laboratory, the committee noted a malfunctioning air conditioning system and elevated temperatures, which could affect the stability of samples and reagents as well as equipment efficiency. The inspection also found expired test materials and tubes, non-compliance with personal protective equipment requirements, improper handling of sharps and contaminated waste, and violations related to quality control and maintenance requirements.

Inspection committees also documented violations concerning administrative supervision, failure to adhere to the scope of licenses, and the continued provision of services or advertising of unapproved specialties.