The announcement was made by Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah when he concluded a two-day visit to Qassim to inspect health facilities and services in the region.

Al-Rabeeah said the region will get an additional 1,100 beds in hospitals throughout the region. “Health facilities and services will be further improved to provide better services to citizens and residents," he said, adding that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah's vision is to make health services available in every part of the Kingdom. Under the new project, the ministry will build two towers in Al-Khawara and Al-Java in the Qassim region. More diabetic clinics will be established in Buraidah, Al-Nabhani, Bukhariya and at King Fahd Specialized Hospital. Besides these facilities, the ministry will set up more dialysis centers to enable renal patients to get regular treatment.

The minister said that two leading hospitals in the region have been recognized by the Central Board of Accreditation for Healthcare Institution (CBAHI). “This is good news for the region and these two hospitals could embark on better services to serve a larger clientele of patients,” Al-Rabeeah said, adding that the accreditation will be reviewed after three years.

“We are in the process of upgrading 70 percent of the 2,000 primary health care centers in the Kingdom,” the minister said while speaking about health services in general.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani told Arab News on Wednesday that due to the transitional weather from summer to winter, people are vulnerable to seasonal flu. “Those suffering from chronic chest ailments should take preventive measures and timely treatment to reduce the incidence,” he said.

Al-Mirghalani said people should cooperate with health officials in taking preventive and curative measures against flu in accordance with the guidelines set by the World Health Organization.

Besides washing their hands, the official advised people to use tissues or handkerchiefs while coughing or sneezing. “They should also ensure that used tissues or handkerchiefs are disposed promptly into garbage bins,” he said.

He added that the basic principles of personal hygiene should be followed at all costs.

He also requested the local Haj pilgrims to take vaccines against meningitis 10 days before leaving for Makkah and Madinah.