JEDDAH, 28 August 2007 — Contracts worth SR3.6 billion have been awarded to establish 1,010 model health centers in different parts of the Kingdom, according to Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie.
Speaking to reporters after signing agreements for building new health facilities worth SR2 billion, he disclosed plans to establish a total of 2,000 model health centers within a timeframe.
The projects also included 440 health centers, at a cost of SR1.6 billion, and two mental hospitals in Dammam and Abha with 300 and 200 beds respectively. The establishment of new health centers augers well with the ministry’s plan to introduce community health care services.
Khaled Mirghalani, spokesman of the Health Ministry, emphasized the ministry’s plan to bring about drastic changes in the primary health care system. “There will be a doctor for 2,000 to 3,000 people and he will visit every one of them at least four times annually,” he added.
, saying health centers would provide guidance to residents to tackle their health problems.
