JEDDAH, 21 October 2003 — The training of Saudis in health administration was the focus of a meeting with diplomats at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH) here yesterday.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Suwayyegh, director general of the Foreign Ministry’s office in the Makkah Region, who presided, said it was “heartening” to see that the hospital was emphasizing training in addition to expanding its research and health care facilities.
“Training is vital to the progress of the Kingdom and its young citizens, and the health care sector should put more emphasis on it,” he said.
The hospital is affiliated with local academic centers, including the radiotherapy unit of King Abdul Aziz University and Dar Al-Hekma College for its nursing programs.
Dr. Tariq Linjawi, chief operating officer at KFSH, said the hospital performed its first bone marrow transplant, open-heart surgery and kidney transplant within a year of opening in September 2000. In 2002 it was accredited by the Joint Commission for International Accreditation (JCIA). “Ours is one of only four JCIA accredited hospitals in the Arab world,” Dr. Linjawi said.
Yemeni Consul General Muhammad A. M. Al-Ahwal, speaking as the dean of the local council of diplomats, said the hospital’s record, especially in such a short time span, was impressive. “We’re all impressed by the ‘firsts’ the hospital has achieved and also its contributions in training Saudis, as well as residency and internship and research programs,” he said.
“We recognize the importance of community outreach and will continue to develop and participate in programs that promote health and safety through training and research. We’re committed to educating the work force in the medical, nursing and allied fields,” said Muhammad Sami Alshanti, the chairman of the emergency department.
