Polyclinic? Medical Centre?

Pitch306 Active member

Member since 15 December 2014

Pitch306Active member10 August 2015 19:38:31

Can someone explain what is meant be a "polyclinic" and also a "medical centre" in Saudi Arabia and what are the differences between them?聽 Thank you in advance.

alpha.one Serial expat

Member since 26 July 2015

alpha.oneSerial expat10 August 2015 22:22:38

270

I am guessing it has something to do with the facilities and capacity. Polyclinics and Medical Center may be on a lower level than a hospital. A hospital is full service, plus the number of beds is more.

Pitch306 Active member

Member since 15 December 2014

Pitch306Active member11 August 2015 06:39:07

Thanks Alpha.one.聽 But do you know if a "polyclinic" and a "medical centre" are different names for the same thing, or are they identical?

ahmadaq Serial expat

Member since 27 November 2012

ahmadaqSerial expat11 August 2015 07:26:21

556

Polyclinic (PC) and Medical Center are the same thing, polyclinic is the old name of Private or Third party ( National Guard, Military, Aramco鈥� medical services) Primary Healthcare Centers PHCC.聽 The name was changed I think last year or two years ago, but people still use PC when they refer to Medical Centers. All PCs must change their licenses to become Medical Centers in the coming few years (not sure about the deadline) . The main different is that Medical Centers must have a 24 emergency services plus it must have consultant for certain specialties like Pediatric and OB GYNA among others.