Saudi Arabia has issued a warning over fake sick leaves and falsified health reports in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Health issued the warning, saying that issuance of false medical reports can lead toa fine of SR100,000 ($26,670) and up to one year jail time.
The statement came following a reported increase in social media accounts promoting unauthorised medical leave approvals.
Saudi sick leave warning
In a statement on social media platform X, the Ministry of Health emphasised that the source of false sick leaves, the beneficiary or anybody involved with the issuance exposes themselves to the fines.
The Ministry further added that the responsibility for granting sick leave lies with a treating physician and can only be issued through the Sehhaty platform.
This will help the Kingdom ensure the reliability of medical reports, promote transparency and allow for ease of communication between employer, employee and health facilities.
The Ministry called on individuals to beware of fake accounts that promote irregular services, stressing the importance of using the “Sehhaty” platform to ensure the accuracy of reports and the integrity of procedures.
The Ministry periodically reviews sick leaves in Saudi Arabia and their compatibility with the beneficiary’s medical record through a digital platform that enables collecting and comparing data.
The Ministry urged health practitioners to grant sick leave only to those who deserve it, according to the health condition of the beneficiary, and to adhere to professional ethics and medical responsibility.
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