Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has summoned a doctor who made comments about family relationships and societal values, saying his remarks breached Saudi Arabia’s medical ethics and the professional obligations required of licensed healthcare practitioners.

The Ministry emphasized that the code clearly states that a practitioner is responsible for presenting reliable, professionally accepted opinions and must inform the public when expressing personal views that fall outside medical consensus.

It said all practitioners must uphold professional and ethical standards and comply fully with the Kingdom’s health regulations, noting that maintaining credibility and public trust is an essential component of the healthcare system.

Saudi Arabia’s medical code of conduct—grounded in the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions—sets strict ethical and professional requirements designed to protect patient welfare and dignity.

It outlines the duties that govern responsible medical practice, including offering care only within one’s certified specialty, respecting patient rights, securing informed consent, and maintaining confidentiality.

Practitioners are prohibited from exploiting patients in any form and are required to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in every aspect of their work.

The code requires doctors to act in the best interests of both patients and society, remain properly licensed and updated in their specialty, exercise due care, and respect patient decision-making in accordance with Sharia and approved medical standards.

It also obligates practitioners to follow established medical guidelines, observe the Kingdom’s customs and traditions, and commit to continuous professional development to ensure their capabilities remain current.

The Ministry reiterated that these principles form the foundation of ethical medical practice in the Kingdom and stressed that any violation undermines the public trust that healthcare professionals are expected to uphold.