JEDDAH, 4 November 2004 — Director of Jeddah Health Affairs Dr. Abdullatif Alderees has appointed Dr. Sana Filimban as manager of King Saud Hospital for treating contagious and transmitted diseases. Dr. Sana is the first woman to be a public hospital manager.
Dr. Sana was the coordinator of the National Program for Eradicating AIDS and has long experience in health care and disease control. “I’m happy with this appointment... I feel the responsibility and pray to God for guidance and success,” Dr. Sana told Arab News.
On taking leadership of a hospital that specializes in treating contagious and transmitted diseases and is the center for AIDS patients, her main priority would be continuing with her efforts in eradicating AIDS and protecting society from the spread of the disease by raising awareness and sending the right information based on scientific facts about the disease.
“Before launching a plan, we have to conduct a thorough study of the situation and then implement the plan in stages on a long-term basis,” she said.
Her message is targeted at the young to be careful in the use of any objects that might be contaminated or not adequately sterilized such as razors or needles. “The earlier they seek help the better their chances of living a longer, better and safer life.”
The Kingdom provides free medical care for all AIDS patients, Saudi and non-Saudi, in complete privacy and unconditionally with no risk of being detained. “Half the AIDS cases in the Kingdom are found in Jeddah, and they are cared for here at King Saud Hospital, we provide them with treatment and provide their families with financial and social care through many charities,” she said.
One of her goals is to allow AIDS patients to live as much of a normal productive life as possible without any stigma. “If the patients and society are educated on how to interact without fear of being infected and on taking measures that prevent the transmission of the virus, then these patients and their families can become integrated in society.”
The families of these patients and the children who are infected are victims and should not be shunned because that leads them to live in worse conditions.
“The National Program for Eradicating AIDS provides not only medical care but also educates the families on how to care for the patient and live with the patient without risk of infection.”
She does not expect resistance or major challenges because this is a service being provided to the improvement of society and helping the patients.
“The health officials are very supportive of the program and once the issue is discussed openly in the community, I think people will discard their negative perceptions,” Dr. Sana added.
