JEDDAH — The Ministry of Health has formed a committee to investigate complaints from more than 20 employees of a Jeddah-based eye hospital against their management, Okaz/Saudi Gazette learned.
The committee has visited the hospital twice to investigate the complaints, but has not taken any action yet.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette obtained a copy of a report by the Control and Investigation Board (CIB), prepared after the committee visited the hospital.
The report found that technicians were not available at 3.30 p.m., one and a half hours before the end of their shift.
Medical equipment was also disappearing from the outside clinics in addition to a computer that disappeared from the operations room.
The report also included complaints from women employees that a section head was tampering with the attendance records of employees. In addition, there were complaints that some technicians were performing administrative duties, in violation of Ministry of Health regulations.
Jeddah Health Affairs had previously pointed out to the management of the hospital that a number of technicians were performing administrative duties and asked that regulations be followed.
Minster of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah has also received complaints from some employees against the hospital management.
These complaints included allegations of mistreatment, warnings being issued to employees without a proper investigation, and favoritism.
The complaints also claim that medical equipment worth SR2 million is stored in hospital room and not being utilized due to the lack of qualified staff.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette visited the hospital and saw the deteriorating condition of the building and medical services, in addition to pieces of medical equipment lying neglected at the back of the hospital.
Patients have also complained about the lack of medication, which they have to buy from pharmacies outside.
Director of the hospital Dr. Salem Bahattab said the building’s condition and deficiency in medical equipment is the responsibility of Jeddah Health Affairs.
He said the hospital tries to offer the best possible services, utilizing available equipment and resources.
He added that a committee has been formed to investigate reports of theft.
He denied any favoritism toward employees and that the relocation of some employees is within his authority.
Director of Jeddah Health Affairs Dr. Sami Badawood denied that CIB was investigating malpractices at the hospital.
However, he admitted there were complaints from some employees regarding relocation, adding this was normal practice in all hospitals.
He said the general situation in the hospital is good and that he visited the hospital two weeks ago and did not receive any complaint regarding the unavailability of medicine or medical equipment.
He pointed out that the new eye specialist hospital in north Jeddah would present quality services to the local residents.
Husain Hazzazi & Ibrahim Shehab - Saudi Gazette
