RIYADH — The Ministry of Health launched probe into the patient privacy violations committed by an expatriate pediatrician. The ministry’s intervention follows the circulation on social media of reports concerning filming patients by the doctor during the provision of healthcare services and publishing images in a way violating their privacy, in addition to making statements disparaging Saudi medical staff, it said in a statement. The ministry immediately addressed the incident and summoned the practitioner for investigation. “This action falls within the ministry’s oversight role in safeguarding patients’ rights and privacy and ensuring compliance with health regulations, bylaws, and professional ethics in the Kingdom,” the statement pointed out. The ministry explained that it is taking the necessary legal measures against the healthcare facility where the healthcare practitioner works, in addition to referring the practitioner to the relevant authorities to complete the procedures within their jurisdiction. The ministry emphasized that any violation of patients’ privacy, infringement upon their dignity, or breach of health regulations and professional ethics will be met with the prescribed legal measures. The ministry affirmed its continued oversight of health facilities and practitioners and its efforts to verify compliance with health regulations and bylaws. It called on members of the community to report any violations through the unified call center 937, thereby contributing to the protection of beneficiaries’ rights and the enhancement of the safety and quality of health services.