Article 14 of the Saudi Health Law

This article concerns a specific category at a specific time: pilgrims during the Hajj period.

The rule: health care is provided to pilgrims during the Hajj period in accordance with Regulations issued by the Minister (the Minister of Health).

Scope of the provision:

• The category: pilgrims.
• The time: during the Hajj period.
• The reference: Regulations issued by the Minister.

The reason for giving pilgrims a special provision is that the Hajj season gathers large numbers in a limited place and time, so it needs special organization of health care.

What the article does not state: it does not specify the type of services provided to pilgrims, nor whether they are with or without charge, nor does it define the "Hajj period". All of that is left to the Regulations the Minister issues, so we do not assume their content.

Link to other articles: Article 13 makes health care for non-Saudis subject to the Cooperative Health Insurance Law, whereas this article sets a special provision for pilgrims during the Hajj period. Article 15 makes the Ministry the body responsible for applying the Law in what does not fall within the jurisdiction of another body.

In practical terms, a pilgrim or the body organizing the Hajj refers, to learn the available health services and how to obtain them, to the Regulations issued by the Minister of Health.

Anyone who needs an opinion on a particular situation would do well to consult a lawyer specialized in health laws or administrative cases.