Ministry of Health Regulates Operations Within Its Facilities and Defines Responsibilities of Its Staff
In line with protecting the rights of patients and their families, safeguarding the status of healthcare professionals, and ensuring the smooth delivery of health services, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah issued a circular regarding the regulation of conduct within healthcare facilities, aimed at enhancing clarity of roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictions among the various entities operating in these facilities.
The circular stated that all medical practitioners, allied health professionals, and pharmacists must adhere to the legal boundaries of their professional jurisdictions, restricting their interactions with patients to medical, clinical, and technical aspects related to healthcare delivery. They are to avoid involvement in matters of an administrative, regulatory, legal, or service-oriented nature that fall outside their scope of practice, referring such issues to healthcare facility administrations or relevant authorities as appropriate.
The circular also assigned healthcare facility administrations and public relations departments the responsibility of receiving and following up on inquiries from patients, their families, and companions, addressing them efficiently and promptly, removing organizational and administrative obstacles, facilitating procedures related to accessing health services, and taking necessary measures to ensure operational smoothness and maintain a safe, organized healthcare environment. Immediate intervention is required to address any situations that may affect workflow or the quality of services provided.
It emphasized that administrative, regulatory, and service-related responsibilities lie with the relevant authorities within healthcare facilities, and that healthcare professionals and pharmacists must not be burdened with responsibilities or roles beyond their professional duties. It affirmed the commitment of all concerned entities to implement the provisions of the circular effective from its date of issuance.
