The Ministry of Health has issued a circular to all private healthcare sector facilities — including hospitals, medical centers, clinics, dispensaries, laboratories, home healthcare providers, and all licensed private medical establishments — mandating that fees for medical services be collected exclusively through approved banking channels and electronic payment systems, while strictly prohibiting the acceptance of cash payments.

The decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen financial governance, reinforce transparency and oversight standards, and ensure full documentation of financial transactions in a manner that safeguards the rights of both patients and healthcare providers, reports Al-Rai daily.

The move is also aimed at enhancing discipline and accountability in payment collection mechanisms across the private healthcare sector.

The ministry called on all entities covered by the circular to immediately implement the directive and take the necessary regulatory and technical steps to activate electronic payment systems, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services in line with approved regulations.

It further confirmed that compliance with the new instructions will be closely monitored, warning that any violations may expose facilities to legal action in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.