It is clear that diabetes and high blood pressure are Saudi Arabia’s biggest health risks. And unless some serious measures are taken, they could cost the Kingdom an enormous sum of money in the future.

Dr. Al-Twaim said that GCC countries spend hundreds of billions every year on treating diabetes. He estimated that the UAE alone is expected to spend more than AED10 billion this year. There is, however, a solution to those who are looking for an alternative to the health risks faced by GCC citizens.

On a recent visit to Jeddah, Dr. Ladislav Spisak, head physician at the Bristol Spa Clinic in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, told Arab News that there was an increasing number of Saudis and Emiratis suffering from obesity and diabetes who come to the Czech Republic for treatment.

“Health problems such as these stem largely from the consumption of food high in fat and when combined with a lack of exercise, problems can result.” Dr. Spisak said.

He said: “Upon arrival at our clinic, there is a complete initial checkup by the senior physician and a laboratory analysis of urine and blood. We prescribe and design a tailor-made diet and treatments for the client’s specific problems.” Dr. Spisak said: “During his or her stay at Bristol Spa, the patient does lots of walking and has baths in the spa, rich in mineral water, and this is highly beneficial for their health.”

Teams of physiotherapists from Bristol Spa are now teaming with the Jeddah-based Healthcare Development Holding Co. (HDH) to figure how to bring Karlovy Vary’s Spa treatment to Jeddah.

Spa and Wellness services in Jeddah are offered at independent resorts which, according to the Health and Beauty Directory, number 28 in the town plus 21 Gyms and Health Centers.

“Today we received at our clinic more than 300 patients from the Gulf. Most people come to our facilities seeking treatment for diabetes and obesity. We have constructed a mosque in our hospital to provide them with prayer facilities,” Dr. Spisak said. HDH aims to understand what the community needs and wants to be able to establish facilities that will attract many people in Saudi Arabia who want excellent health care without having to leave the country.
 
- [email protected]