Article 29 of the Saudi Healthcare Professions Practice Law
المادة 29 من نظام مزاولة المهن الصحية
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 50,000 anyone who violates Articles 10, 12 and 13 and paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 14.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد على خمسين ألف ريال، كل من خالف أحكام المواد: (العاشرة)، و(الثانية عشرة) ، و(الثالثة عشرة)، والفقرات (ب ، ج ، د، هـ) من المادة (الرابعة عشرة) من هذا النظام.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 29 explained in plain English
This article sets a financial penalty only for a group of violations, which is a fine not exceeding SAR 50,000, and it includes no imprisonment.
This fine applies to anyone who violated:
- Article 10.
- Article 12.
- Article 13.
- Paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 14, which are: keeping medicines and vaccines at the workplace contrary to the Ministry's instructions (other than pharmacy facilities), selling medicines to patients outside pharmacy facilities or selling medical samples at all, facilitating the patient's obtaining an undeserved and unlawful advantage or benefit, and accommodating patients as stated in paragraph (e) other than in ambulance or emergency cases.
Paragraphs (a) and (f) of Article 14, however, which are employing unlicensed persons or helping anyone who practices a healthcare profession unlawfully, and using examination or treatment devices prohibited in the Kingdom, do not fall under this article. Article 28 includes them among the violations punished with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either.
It is followed by Article 30, which sets a fine not exceeding SAR 20,000 for any violation of the Law or its Regulations for which no specific provision exists. Anyone on whom a fine has been imposed may consult a lawyer specialized in healthcare practice and medical malpractice cases.
Practical example
It was found that a physician at a private clinic in Dammam sells patients medicines from stock he keeps in his clinic contrary to the Ministry's instructions. This violates paragraphs (b) and (c) of Article 14, so he is punished with a fine not exceeding SAR 50,000.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 29 of the Saudi Healthcare Professions Practice Law
What is the penalty for a doctor selling medicines in their clinic?
Selling medicines to patients outside pharmacy facilities violates paragraph (c) of Article 14, and is punished with a fine not exceeding SAR 50,000.
Does this article include a prison sentence?
No. The penalty in it is a fine not exceeding SAR 50,000 only.
Which provisions does the SAR 50,000 fine cover?
Articles 10, 12 and 13, and paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 14.
Articles this article refers to
- Article 10
The article prohibits the healthcare practitioner from advertising themselves or promoting themselves except in the cases set by the Regulations, and from listing scientific titles or specialties they have not lawfully obtained.
أ - يحظر على الممارس الصحي- في غير الحالات التي تحددها اللائحة التنفيذية- الإعلان عن نفسه أو الدعاية لشخصه مباشرة أو بالوساطة. ب - يحظر على الممارس الصحي أن يسج
- Article 12
The article prohibits the healthcare practitioner from practicing more than one healthcare profession or a conflicting profession, and from commissions and benefits for promoting medicines or devices or directing patients.
لا يجوز للممارس الصحي مزاولة أكثر من مهنة صحية واحدة، أو أي مهنة أخرى تتعارض مزاولتها مع المهن الصحية. ويحظر عليه طلب عمولة أو مكافأة أو قبولها أو أخذها، كما يح
- Article 13
The article prohibits the healthcare practitioner, except in emergency cases, from carrying out examinations or treatment, for a fee or free of charge, in pharmacies or places not designated for it.
لا يجوز للممارس الصحي- في غير الحالات الطارئة- إجراء الفحوص، أو العلاج بمقابل أو بالمجان في الصيدليات، أو الأماكن غير المخصصة لذلك.
- Article 14
The article lists prohibited acts for the healthcare practitioner, including employing unlicensed persons, selling medicines and samples, keeping medicines contrary to instructions, and using prohibited devices.
يحظر على الممارس الصحي ما يأتي: أ - استخدام غير المرخص لهم من ذوي المهن الصحية، أو تقديم مساعدة لأي شخص يمارس مهنة صحية بصورة غير مشروعة. ب - الاحتفاظ في مقرر ا
More articles on Penalty for Practicing Healthcare Professions Without a License
- Article 28
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either, offenses such as practicing without a license, impersonating titles, refusing treatment, and trafficking in organs.
مع عدم الإخلال بأي عقوبة أشد منصوص عليها في أنظمة أخرى، يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز ستة أشهر، وبغرامة لا تزيد عن مائة ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين؛ كل من :
- Article 30
The article punishes with a fine not exceeding SAR 20,000 any violation of the Law or its Implementing Regulations for which the Law has no specific penalty.
كل مخالفة لأحكام هذا النظام أو لائحته التنفيذية لم يرد نص خاص في هذا النظام على عقوبة لها يعاقب مرتكبها بغرامة لا تتجاوز عشرين ألف ريال.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.