Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Health approved on Saturday a new protocol for patients whose treatment requires travel outside the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Ministry explained that patients wishing to travel abroad for treatment at their own expense need to meet certain conditions set by the ministry — firstly, by obtaining an acceptance of treatment from a hospital or specialized center in a medically developed country.

Secondly, the patient’s case should be one that requires treatment abroad and cannot be dealt with in the Kingdom, according to a recent medical report approved by the Ministry.

The case should also meet medical conditions approved by the Saudi Supreme Medical Commission to receive treatment abroad.

Otherwise, patients who are referred to hospitals outside the Kingdom at the expense of the government must obtain a royal order or a resolution issued by the Supreme Medical Commission, and can be accompanied by a maximum of two people.

However, the commission can decide on the number of companions based on each case.

The Ministry said that it would study the applications and electronically forward those accepted to the General Directorate of Passports at the Ministry of Interior to obtain the necessary permits.

All applications can be completed digitally via the “Absher” government platform.