“Detaining Patients and Bodies for Financial Claims in Riyadh Health Institutions is Forbidden”

The General Directorate of Health Affairs in Riyadh confirmed that it is forbidden to detain bodies, patients, or identification papers, due to financial claims.

She explained that the private health institutions system and its implementing regulations stipulate that the delivery of bodies and the discharge of patients or newborns is a right of the person himself, his guardian, or the relatives of the deceased, and is not conditioned by any financial procedure.

She indicated that the health institution does not have the right to oblige the signing of financial bonds, keep the bodies of the deceased, keep identification papers, or detain newborns or patients, in exchange for financial dues, explaining that the health institution takes regular measures to collect its dues.

Riyadh Health Affairs stated that the ministry is conducting monitoring rounds in this regard, and referring violations to the specialized committees.