“The annual program which is being held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has attracted members of the royal family, senior government officials and distinguished visitors from the Kingdom as well as from abroad,” the minister said, adding that his ministry has put up a pavilion that depicts the services rendered by the ministry in preventive, curative and rehabilitative fields of work in the health sector.

The heritage festival was inaugurated by King Abdullah on Wednesday. The event draws more than a million visitors every year.

Earlier, in a directive issued by the minister, the Ministry of Health requested all major health departments to actively take part in the cultural festival to demonstrate its services rendered to the people in all 20 health regions.

At Janadriyah, the ministry has launched an awareness campaign covering most of preventable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, renal diseases, obesity, malignancy and osteoporosis.

Brochures and booklets are also distributed among the visitors, highlighting the importance of preventive measures against common diseases.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that a visitor who enters the pavilion can undergo clinical tests such as checks for BMI, glucose, eye tests and obtain an immediate report on his health condition.

Al-Mirghalani said the person would then be referred to the nearest primary health care center in his neighborhood.

Al-Mirghalani said the ministry’s pavilion at Janadriyah has attracted an increased number of visitors this year because of a variety of medical services offered free-of-charge to members of the public.

He said a brochure is being distributed among the visitors indicating the services offered by the ministry. “They are at liberty to undergo some or all of the tests specified in the brochure without any costs,” he added.

“We have detailed more than 50 health officials to attend to the visitors who visit the health ministry pavilion. The team comprising medics and paramedics will offer the best counseling to people based on their clinical reports,” Al-Mirghalani said.

He added those interested in registering themselves for organ donation can avail themselves of the services at a special counter assigned for such donations. Officials from the Saudi Center for Organ Transplant will advise such registrants as to how they should donate their organs to help others who are really in need of them.

There are around 13,000 patients who are awaiting kidneys from such donors.

The spokesman pointed out the main purpose of the venture is not only to conduct clinical tests but also to create a public awareness about the common health problems faced by the masses. He said a large number of diseases could be prevented and some others could be cured successfully following early detection.

Located 45 kilometers outside Riyadh, Janadriyah plays host to the cultural festival annually. Traditional activities, including folk dances, camel races, arts and crafts exhibits as well as poetry readings are showcased for the entire duration of the festival. It lasts for two weeks and is organized by the National Guard.