RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Society (SRCS) requested the Ministry of Health yesterday to direct both government and private hospitals throughout the Kingdom to receive patients ferried by its ambulances.
The request was made by SRCS President Prince Faisal bin Abdullah during talks with Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie in the presence of heads of hospitals in the capital.
Prince Faisal said the primary aim of the request was to ensure that all emergency patients get medical treatment in line with the instruction of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Abdullah.
The prince stressed that human life should be valued in emergency situations. He pointed out that patients tend to blame SRCS when they are taken to hospitals and refused admission.
The Red Crescent has signed an agreement with the European Aero-Medical Institute to conduct a study on the prospects of implementing air ambulances throughout the Kingdom.
The organization is now working to upgrade its operations room in coordination with the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology and the Saudi Telecom Company. It will also use digital maps to speedily dispatch assistance in case of emergencies.
During the last Haj, SRCS established 93 first-aid centers, used 492 ambulances and deployed a large number of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and drivers to serve pilgrims.
Othman Al-Rabeeah, director general of Health Services in the central region, said a circular has been issued to all private hospitals to receive emergency patients when government hospitals are full.
