Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khaled Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that Princess Hussa, president of the National Home Healthcare Foundation, is to be the chief guest at the event meant to help patients who currently receive treatment from their homes under the Family Health Program. It will be held at King Saud Medical Complex in Semesi district in the capital.

Al-Mirghalani explained that the program, which was initiated two years ago, takes the health services to the doorstep of more than 7,000 patients who cannot travel to hospitals or clinics for their regular medical treatment.

He added that the program allows health officials to visit homes to offer preventive and curative treatment for home-care patients.

The spokesman said that 25 percent of these patients suffer from chronic ailments, such as diabetes, heart problems and renal diseases, while 23 percent of them include patients who suffer from paralytic strokes and neurological diseases. Some 18 percent of them are affected with psychiatric diseases while eight percent have various age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

“Only two percent suffer from cancer,” he added.

“Our team is composed of qualified health specialists and nurses who could offer their services during home visits,” he said.

In addition to human resources, there is a fleet of 80 vehicles deployed in all parts of the Kingdom to facilitate various medical teams, Al-Mirghalani stressed.