Health Minister Khalid Al-Falih

Health Minister Khalid Al-Falih has called for a high-level committee comprising governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, civil society organizations and the private sector to develop a comprehensive framework to promote patients’ rights.

Such a body, he said, should oversee the policy development and also follow-up on the performance of government and non-governmental health facilities.

The minister’s speech was read out by Deputy Health Minister Hamad Al-Dowailia at the three-day 1st Gulf Patients Rights Conference, flagged off in Riyadh on Sunday.

The minister said the body should be linked to the departments concerned and directly connected to the senior management of hospitals.

He also advocated the idea of organizing awareness programs across the Kingdom to tell the people of the rights and privileges they enjoy as patients. “People should know the local regulations and the existing laws governing the health sector so that they can be alert on what is happening around them in various hospitals.”

Periodical, brochures and magazines should be distributed regularly among people to create awareness, he said.

He said privacy and confidentiality in all medical records must be maintained and that a patient reserves the right to choose a doctor for treatment.

He also urged people to abstain from trusting black magic and sorcery to cure their diseases. “Follow the scientific ways of treatment and cure for speedy recovery from illnesses,” he concluded.

Dr. Tawfiq bin Ahmed Khoja, director-general of the executive office of the Council of Health Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and chairman of the Scientific Committee, said patients’ right is the most important issue set by the leaders and planners in their efforts to maintain an integrated health care system.

He said the conference is highlighting the current situation of the rights of the patient and related practices in health facilities and improve awareness of the rights of the patient.

More than 50 top national, regional and international experts in health care, law, psychology, sociology and management are participating in the conference.

Princess Noorah bint Mohammed, the wife of Riyadh governor, launched women’s activities by inaugurating a forum on promoting awareness on patient rights.

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