THIS week my e-mails were hundreds of letters from readers responding to my article of last week addressed to the minister of health. So I have chosen the following letter for publication; it comes from a group of citizens who suffer from kidney failure.

"We are among hundreds of citizens who suffer from kidney failure. In fact, this requires some of us to undergo dialysis three or four times a week. As we are from Madinah, the nearest medical facility that offers the treatment is King Abdul Aziz Kidney Center (KAKC). Unfortunately, this facility is having problems. Patients are put into large wards that hold up to 18. This means that beds are close to each other with an increased risk of infection among patients. It is a well-known medical fact that those with kidney failure are at greater risk of contracting infection than others. There is also a lack of adequate staff — nurses and other professionals. As a result, the medical staff had to work two shifts during Ramadan just to cope with normal operations.

"We understand that KAKC depends largely on philanthropists’ donations. In other words, as there is no fixed budget or constant income, the facility is often in financial difficulties. It serves many patients, especially the needy, so it is of vital importance that its financial capabilities be helped in any possible way."

It is true that those suffering from kidney failure who live in Riyadh or Jeddah get better treatment due to the availability of many facilities. In light of these facts, I would like to bring this problem to the attention of Princess Abta, the wife of the governor of Madinah. She is known for her concern and dedication to the welfare of our citizens in general and those with kidney failure in particular. Fortunately, she is the head of the Madinah Women’s Charity which is sponsoring a campaign for donations. I understand that the donations will be directed to KAKC in collaboration with the Department of Health Affairs of Madinah.

I further learned that the Madinah Women’s Charity is planning to expand KAKC’s capabilities. It deserves more attention because it is the second largest in the country. I was told also that there are plans for new equipment, construction of a research center and expansion of ancillary facilities.

I would also like to remind philanthropists, business houses and the rich to donate and participate in the upgrading of this important facility. Donations can be sent to the charity’s headquarters and cash donations may be deposited to account number 33047495000100 at the National Commercial Bank.

In addition to the letter I quoted above, I also received a number of letters about poor medical treatment and services, medical errors or negligence in government hospitals. For purposes of clarification, I would like readers to understand that I have no objection to mentioning these matters individually but I am limited to a certain number of words by the newspaper.