JEDDAH — The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with several government agencies, has apprehended an individual accused of falsely claiming to treat infertility, neurological disorders, and other ailments, exploiting vulnerable patients. The accused operated an illegal clinic within an unlicensed building in Jeddah, disguised as a contracting office. The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and legal proceedings, prioritizing the safety of citizens and residents. Regulatory authorities took action following reports of fraudulent activities, including false claims of medical treatment in an environment lacking minimal medical and health requirements, posing significant health risks and violating regulations. It was discovered that the individual had been previously deregistered for serious violations in the medical profession. Law enforcement agencies have detained the offender and referred them to the prosecution for violating Article 28 of the Health Professions Law, in addition to Article 32 of the Regulations on Assisted Reproduction, Embryos, and Infertility Treatment, which carry penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of half a million Saudi Riyals. Furthermore, the owner of the building housing the illegal clinic has also been referred to the authorities, while investigations continue to identify all involved parties. This includes the seizure of expired medical drugs, narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other unsafe medical materials of unknown origin. The Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to monitoring and enforcing health regulations to ensure patient safety. It emphasized that any negligence affecting the health and safety of citizens and residents will be met with the strictest penalties and regulatory measures against unlicensed healthcare practices. The Ministry urged citizens and residents not to fall prey to exploitative practices and to seek healthcare services only from licensed practitioners and facilities. It emphasized the importance of verifying the credentials of healthcare providers and reporting any violations or irregularities through the Health Call Center at 937.
