Article 3 of the Saudi Private Health Institutions Law

This article sets the requirements for the building, equipment and systems of every private health institution, which are:

First: the building, which must meet:

• Health conditions.
• Engineering specifications.
• Suitable layout.

Second: contents: it must contain the necessary furniture, equipment and devices, both medical and non-medical.

Third: systems, three of which the institution must have:

1. A system for disposing of medical waste.
2. An infection control system.
3. A health information system.

The detailed standards and conditions for all of this are set by the Implementing Regulations; the Law does not state specific areas or specifications.

The provision covers every private health institution within the meaning of Article 1, that is, the hospital, complexes, clinics, radiology centers, laboratories, day-surgery centers, supporting service centers and ambulance transport centers, although the standards may differ by type as the Regulations determine.

Article 4 follows, preventing the opening or operation of any private health institution until all the conditions and requirements in the Law and its Regulations have been completed and the necessary licenses obtained, so meeting the requirements of this article is part of what must be completed before opening.

Anyone renting a building for a health institution should check, before contracting, that it can meet these requirements, and may consult a lawyer who specializes in commercial or real estate cases when drafting the lease.