Health Minister Closes 5 Health Facilities and Halts Lab Activity Over Violations Affecting Patient Safety

Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued orders to close two health centers, a clinic, a dental center, and a private clinic, as well as to suspend laboratory activities at one clinic, following violations related to patient safety and compliance with health regulations and licenses. These measures will remain in effect until the completion of procedures and investigations by the Medical Liability Authority.

The decisions were based on statements from the Health Licensing Department and inspection committee reports, which revealed professional and organizational violations at several health facilities.

The violations included a nurse conducting a laser session for a patient in contravention of professional guidelines, and a dentist performing radiographic imaging without obtaining a license to practice radiology. Additionally, services were provided and specialties advertised outside the scope of the approved licenses for the facilities and health professionals.

In one laboratory, inspection committees noted a malfunctioning air conditioning system and elevated temperatures, which could compromise the safety of samples and reagents, as well as equipment efficiency. Other violations included the presence of expired materials and test tubes, improper use of personal protective equipment, mishandling of sharp waste and contaminated materials, and failure to comply with quality control and maintenance requirements.

The committees also identified violations related to administrative supervision, exceeding the scope of granted licenses, and continuing to provide services or advertise unapproved specialties.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that the closure orders and suspension of activities will remain in effect until the completion of procedures and investigations, noting that the reported cases are subject to verification by the competent authorities.

It clarified that, in accordance with Article 37 of Law No. 70 of 2020, the Medical Liability Authority is responsible for providing technical opinions on incidents involving medical errors and professional violations, as well as evaluating them.

The Ministry stressed its continued oversight of health facilities and its zero-tolerance approach to enforcing laws and regulations governing health services, in order to safeguard patient safety and ensure that services provided to citizens and residents adhere to approved licenses, professional standards, and ethical practice.