Ministry launches new reporting system for contagious diseases

• The Ministry of Health’s decision requires all treating doctors in hospitals, health centers, and the private sector to report cases of hepatitis B or C, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and other reportable diseases using an infectious disease report form.

• The ministry’s decision mandates that all virus laboratories submit a weekly report with data on all cases of hepatitis B and C discovered in the laboratory.

The Ministry of Health has implemented a new reporting mechanism for individuals with contagious diseases or suspected infections, according to Al Anba newspaper.

The mechanism specifies that if a person is infected or suspected of being infected with a contagious disease, they must be reported within 24 hours to the nearest preventive health center. The decision stipulates that the responsibility for reporting lies with “the doctor who examined the patient.”

The decision requires all treating doctors in hospitals, health centers, and the private sector to report cases of hepatitis B or C, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and other reportable diseases using an infectious disease report form. This form must be sent to the nearest preventive health center to avoid legal liability.

Additionally, the decision mandates that all virus laboratories submit a weekly report with data on all cases of hepatitis B and C discovered in the laboratory.