JEDDAH – A report issued by the Ministry of Health disclosed that 70 percent of doctors accused of committing medical errors are doctorate or master's degree holders. The report that monitored medical errors during the past five years showed that 36.3 percent of those who committed medical errors were master's degree holders while 32.8 percent were doctorate degree holders. The report showed that medical errors by bachelor's degree holders reached 20.7 percent while those by diploma holders reached 10.2 percent. The report mentioned that health practitioners in gynecology and obstetrics departments are the ones mostly accused of committing medical errors during the past four years. They are followed by those working in general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics and nursing. In a related matter, acting Minister of Health Adel Fakeih approved a decision to fine 11 female Saudi nurses at King Faisal Hospital in Taif a total of SR205,000 due to their negligence in work assigned to them. One nurse was fined SR50,000, another fined SR45,000, a third nurse fined SR30,000; two nurses fined SR12,000 each, and six nurses fined SR60,000 at the rate of SR10,000 each. Spokesman for Taif Health Affairs Siraj Al-Humaidan said the nurses were investigated by specialist committees for their negligence regarding some cases. The penalties were decided in line with the directives and regulations that require providing the best services to patients. Al-Humaidan confirmed that the authorities will not be lenient on any matter concerning the safety of patients. All health practitioners including doctors, nurses and technicians must carry out their role as required. The staff must take care of hospitalized patients as well as outpatients at different times. The regulation for practicing health professions is being implemented on all health practitioners including doctors and technicians as the regulations aim at upgrading the standard of medical services. The regulations have specified the penalties for any violations.
