Healthcare | Tuesday 6 January, 2015 8:50 am |

Minister of Health Mohammed Al-Hayazie has denied reports that non-medical citizens and expatriates are banned from investing in private health care facilities in the country.
Al-Hayazie made the comments last Thursday following reports on social media websites that a ban is now in place on those who are not physicians.
He had also approved changes to the country’s bylaws on private health care. He is empowered to do so under Article 32 of the private health care facilities law approved by Royal Decree No. 40 in 2003.

The new changes have introduced more stringent criteria for investors, compared to the amendments introduced by former acting Health Minister Adel Fakeih last year.
According to the new bylaws, foreigners are still allowed to invest in the private health care sector but only in hospitals in large cities. The minister would have to approve investments in smaller hospitals and health care facilities in remote regions.

In addition, foreigners need the approval of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), and have to meet other Health Ministry regulations.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Al-Kharj, Al-Hayazie said that large, world-class medical projects are being carried out in the region. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Al-Kharj would be opened soon, he said.
He said his deputy, Mohammed Khasheem, is working on a plan to employ more Saudis with medical qualifications. More than 5,000 graduates have been employed over the past two weeks, he said.

During his visit to Al-Kharj, the minister toured King Khaled Hospital and Prince Sultan Center for Heart Disease. He also checked on the facilities of the Mental Health Hospital, the Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, and the Alseeh Medical Center.
He added that the ministry was doing everything it can to reduce medical errors in the Kingdom. It was committed to safe and reliable health care for citizens, he said.