Saudi ministry’s medical unit tops drugs survey

The Saudi Ministry of Interior’s General Administration of Medical Services topped the July 2020 list released by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for hospitals and health centers that first reported drug side effects.

A total of 507 reports were submitted by General Administration of Medical Services, topping the list of hospitals and health centers that met drug safety standards by monitoring and reporting side effects of drugs.

The list included 59 hospitals and health centers, which submitted a combined 4,345 reports.

The General Administration of Medical Services uses an electronic system in its hospitals and health centers that includes drug information for health practitioners as well as warnings on side effects and possible adverse reactions.

This ensures the safety of patients — ministry employees and their families — and helps to monitor problems related to drug use.

Reporting drug side effects helps to protect patients through regular information updates monitored worldwide under the supervision of the World Health Organization (WHO).