Introduction
It is the responsibility of any country to regulate health issues; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no exception. The government has significantly improved health care from various angles, including legislation. However, it is not always the case that even the most well-developed laws lead to a direct improvement in the overall health situation of the population – it is important not only to provide a legal framework for patients and specialists, but also to provide the industry with the necessary resources and knowledge. This paper aims to examine three such initiatives impacting healthcare in Saudi Arabia and describe the factors by which their actions create mechanisms of impact. Moreover, in addition to its goals and capabilities, each law will be described in terms of the issues and problems it poses.
Healthcare Licensing Regulation
Code: Royal Decree No. M/59, dated 17/9/1434H (corresponding to 26/7/2013).
Section: Chapter 3: Licensing Healthcare Facilities.
The Healthcare Licensing Regulation (HLR) aims to regulate and monitor healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. It establishes a framework for licensing and accreditation of healthcare providers, ensuring they meet quality standards and patient safety requirements (Asmri et al., 2020). The law promotes transparency, accountability, and the provision of quality healthcare services to the public.
Regulation is aimed primarily at specialized institutions, within which the HLR sets standards on issues of infrastructure, equipment, and personnel qualifications. Such a basis allows us to guarantee a certain level of quality of medical services in the country. In addition to these responsibilities, HLR also enjoys wide accessibility by licensing various types of establishments throughout the Kingdom, which is particularly relevant in remote areas. Finally, the law promotes patient safety by requiring professionals to implement safety protocols through adherence to infection control measures.
Despite its positive intentions, HLR faces some challenges in implementing it. First, ensuring compliance with regulations in all healthcare settings is complex and resource-intensive, creating potential safety hazards due to a lack of discipline or capacity. Secondly, maintaining consistent standards across all licensed facilities can be difficult, especially given the varying levels of healthcare infrastructure and resources available across the Kingdom. Finally, some citizens may be unaware of their rights and the standards they should expect from healthcare providers. Raising public awareness through schools, employers, and government agencies can help solve this problem.
Anti-Smoking Law
Code: Royal Decree No. M/40, dated 28/8/1434H (corresponding to 7/7/2013)
Section: Chapter 2: Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places.
The Anti-Smoking Law aims to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Saudi Arabia and protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. It prohibits smoking in public places and sets rules for tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (Itumalla & Aldhmadi, 2020). By introducing pretty strict rules and penalties, this initiative is designed to reduce the percentage of diseases associated with smoking, since, for these reasons, there is an extremely high mortality rate not only in the Kingdom but throughout the world.
A similar ban applies to smoking in public places, which contributes to the safety of non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. The approach enables creating a healthier environment by minimizing the impact of harmful habits. Finally, another positive impact of the law is increased awareness. Authorities support public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking, educating the public about the health risks associated with tobacco use.
Although the Anti-Tobacco Act is a positive step toward improving public health, some issues similar to those of the previous law remain. The first of these is enforcement: ensuring compliance with the law in all public places, including restaurants, cafes, and public transport, which may require constant monitoring and strict adherence to the law. The second problem is cultural – smoking is deeply ingrained in some traditions and social activities. Overcoming these cultural norms and encouraging behavior change in a country where tradition is highly valued can be challenging.
Finally, to effectively reduce smoking rates, smoking cessation programs and support services must be available to people who want to quit, again requiring funding and resources. Such initiatives often have low visibility, leaving patients with little awareness and access to qualified support (AlJishi et al., 2022). As a result, both reactive and proactive measures are essential at this stage.
Mental Health Law
Code: Royal Decree No. M/95, dated 30/12/1440H (corresponding to 31/8/2019)
Section: Chapter 2: Rights of Individuals in Mental Health Facilities.
The Mental Health Act aims to protect the rights of people with mental disorders, regulate mental health services, and promote mental well-being. It establishes guidelines for providing mental health care, the rights of those receiving treatment, and the establishment of mental health facilities (Al‐Subaie et al., 2020). The law guarantees the protection of the rights of people with mental disorders and requires appropriate care, treatment, and support. In addition, it aims to improve the quality of medical care. Improving outcomes is an essential aspect of health care performance in general, as the issue extends beyond patients and is critical for industry professionals during crises, such as a pandemic (AlAteeq et al., 2020). As a result, the law supports awareness and stigma reduction efforts, promoting an inclusive societal environment.
However, there are several problems in implementing this act in reality. Ensuring effective law enforcement and allocating sufficient resources to mental health services can pose challenges, especially in less populated and developed regions. Moreover, tackling cultural attitudes and misconceptions about mental health remains critical as it can impact people seeking help and the overall acceptance of mental health services.
Finally, coordination of mental health services with other health sectors, such as primary care, surgery, and more, is essential. Integrated support is a significant need in a global society where patients often require complex care, but the availability of staff, equipment, and accessible facilities does not always meet demand, as the pandemic experience has shown (AlAteeq et al., 2020). As a result, the authorities must work out not only the legal basis for implementing laws but also resource support for relevant institutions.
Conclusion
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has passed several laws to improve healthcare services and protect the welfare of its citizens. The Health Care Licensing Regulations, the Anti-Smoking Act, and the Mental Health Act demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving quality, access, and patient rights. While these laws can potentially enhance healthcare in the Kingdom, issues such as enforcement, cultural factors, and resource allocation must be addressed to ensure effective implementation.
It requires constant monitoring, adaptation, and updating of mechanisms that monitor the implementation of all acts. It also provides appropriate support in finance, education of specialists, construction of medical facilities, and the purchase of advanced equipment. These initiatives are vital to achieving the desired positive impact on the country’s overall health landscape.
References
AlAteeq, D. A., Aljhani, S., Althiyabi, I., & Majzoub, S. (2020). Mental health among healthcare providers during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 13(10), 1432-1437.
AlJishi, H., Kusuma, D., AlQurashi, A., AlFaiz, A., AlSaad, A., & Aljishi, M. (2022). Compliance with tobacco control policy and visibility of cigarette retailers around educational facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Public Health, 10.
Al‐Subaie, A. S., Al‐Habeeb, A., & Altwaijri, Y. A. (2020). Overview of the Saudi national mental health survey. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 29(3).
Asmri, M. A., Almalki, M. J., Fitzgerald, G., & Clark, M. (2020). The public health care system and primary care services in Saudi Arabia: a system in transition. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 26(4), 468-476.
Itumalla, R., & Aldhmadi, B. (2020). Combating tobacco use in Saudi Arabia: a review of recent initiatives. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 26(7).