Kamal Ghorui
The Saudi Ministry of Health has launched an extensive inspection campaign to strengthen safety standards for cosmetic procedures carried out in clinics across the Kingdom. Under the new regulations, all private healthcare providers must comply with updated requirements designed to protect patients and ensure higher standards of care.
Specialised consultant is a must
As per the ministry mandate, specialised consultants must directly supervise high-demand procedures such as Botox, fillers and thread treatments. This helps ensure the overall quality of services while ensuring that the practitioners are of the highest professional standards. Additionally, health authorities urged all beneficiaries to remain completely aware of their legal rights before they agree to receive any medical services. They must not begin any treatment until they sign a written consent form that explains every detail of the procedure clearly. The ministry also advised patients to procure a copy of this document for their personal records and future medical reference.
Transparency and accountability
Patients also have the fundamental right to know the initial cost of all non-emergency services before they undergo any specialised treatment, helping them plan better. The ministry also initiated efforts to increase the transparency of these procedures by adding that the patients should receive a stamped information card that details the specific materials and chemical components used during the cosmetic procedure. The public is also advised to verify the physician’s academic qualifications and professional license before beginning any medical experience. In case of suspicious practices or observed violations, the public can easily contact the Ministry of Health call centre at 937.
Saudi Arabia ‘s growing health sector
The ministry has taken these new steps to ensure more patient protection and transparency in medical cosmetic procedures. Recently in February 2026, it took action against a dermatology clinic in Al-Qunfudhah, after a health practitioner filmed patients during laser sessions and published the footage on social media. The action breached the Law of Practising Healthcare Professions, which protects public health and safeguards patient privacy. The ministry affirmed that it would continue to intensify oversight of health facilities and would not tolerate practices that infringe on patients’ rights. Saudi Arabia accounts for 60 per cent of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ healthcare expenditure, and the sector remains a top priority for the Saudi Arabian Government, as per a report by the International Trade Administration. In 2024, the Saudi Arabian healthcare market was valued at USD 38.5 billion with major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran dominating the space.Driven by Vision 2030 reforms, the Kingdom is rapidly expanding capacity and encouraging private-sector investment. The government’s goal is to raise the private sector’s share of hospital beds from only 23% in 2023 to 68% by 2030. Improving the safety and quality of cosmetic procedures is another step toward strengthening the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving healthcare system.
