Saudi Arabia Arrests Doctors for Forcing Elderly Patients to Perform Objectionable Acts

Several healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia have been arrested for sharing inappropriate videos on social media, which included incidents of elderly patients being coerced to kiss their hands.

The Ministry of Health reported that the arrests occurred in Riyadh, Jazan, and Tabuk. In collaboration with relevant authorities, the ministry stated that legal actions would be taken against those involved, underscoring that their behavior violated professional standards and health regulations.

The investigation was initiated after identifying multiple violations by health practitioners, who posted content that showed unprofessional conduct and disrespect for medical ethics. The videos, which were monitored by the ministry, displayed obscene language, misconduct, and mistreatment of patients. One video, in particular, showed a patient being treated disrespectfully, raising serious concerns.

“This action is part of our efforts to ensure adherence to professional conduct and uphold the highest standards in healthcare services while safeguarding patient rights,” the ministry stated.

Officials highlighted the importance of following the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its regulations, which mandate practitioners to respect human dignity, safety, and the sanctity of life. According to the Health Practitioner Ethics Guide by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, photographing patients or any part of their bodies is strictly prohibited, except for scientific research purposes.

Violators may face severe consequences, including the potential revocation of their professional licenses. The ministry also emphasized that healthcare practitioners are prohibited from self-promotion for commercial purposes, except in specific cases allowed by regulations.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cybercrime Law imposes strict penalties for producing content that offends public values or morals, with potential punishments of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 3 million riyals.