The Ministry of Health has announced stiff penalties of fines up to SR100,000 and prison of up to six months for any health practitioner found to have spread false rumors about any co-worker. If found guilty, the health practitioner faces dismissal and withdrawal of his or her medical license. According to the new regulations, the maximum penalty may be applied if it is found that false allegations are made about forging of qualifications and moral crimes. The maximum penalties would also apply in case of repeat offense. Each case will be considered on its own merits. Assessment of violations will be subject to Article 28 of the Regulations for Health Practice. For lesser violations, penalties will start with a SR10,000 fine. Article 24 of the Regulations for Health Practice stipulates that relations between health practitioners should be based on mutual cooperation and trust. It is also forbidden for any health practitioner to belittle his or her colleague's scientific status. Also, it is forbidden to take over treatment of other medical practitioner's patients and employees. Meanwhile, according to reports, Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah announced Saturday a 60-point program aimed at boosting the health sector in the country. The announcement was made during a meeting of health officials in Al-Laith. The program is looking to improve monitoring at medical facilities around the country and ensuring greater training for health professionals. There is also a plan to look at changing the way medical licenses are approved, the expansion of the Kingdom's home care system and to reduce medical errors. According to the reports, there are also plans to expand surgery services.
