Riyadh hospital launches service to treat stroke patients stuck in traffic

Special Riyadh hospital launches service to treat stroke patients stuck in traffic
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KFSHRC’s Mobile Stroke Unit aims to provide stroke patients with immediate medical care en route to the hospital. (AN Photo/Jafar Alsaleh)
Special Riyadh hospital launches service to treat stroke patients stuck in traffic
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KFSHRC’s Mobile Stroke Unit aims to provide stroke patients with immediate medical care en route to the hospital. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 October 2024
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Riyadh hospital launches service to treat stroke patients stuck in traffic

Riyadh hospital launches service to treat stroke patients stuck in traffic
  • King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre launches Mobile Stroke Unit
  • Service can deliver immediate care to stroke victims, significantly improving recovery outcomes during the critical first hour

RIYADH: A Riyadh hospital has launched a new service that could dramatically improve stroke outcomes by treating patients while stuck in traffic.

At the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh on Monday, the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre launched the Mobile Stroke Unit.

The service can deliver immediate care to stroke victims, significantly improving recovery outcomes during the critical first hour after symptoms appear, also known as the “golden hour.”

The Mobile Stroke Unit addresses one of the main challenges in stroke care: Delays in reaching hospitals, particularly in congested urban areas like Riyadh.

Traffic often prolongs transport times, delaying critical treatment, lowering the chances of recovery and increasing the risk of death or lifelong disability.

KFSHRC’s Mobile Stroke Unit aims to overcome this challenge, providing stroke patients with immediate medical care en route to the hospital.

Once the Saudi Red Crescent Authority receives a report from a stroke victim’s family indicating symptoms such as arm weakness, facial drooping or speech difficulty, the Mobile Stroke Unit is dispatched immediately.

Inside the ambulance, a team of specialists, including a vascular neurologist, a critical care nurse, a paramedic and a CT scan technician, work together to diagnose and treat the patient before arriving at the hospital.

Dr. Fahad Al-Ajlan, a stroke neurologist at KFSHRC, highlighted the unit’s capabilities in an interview with Arab News.

“Basically, anything for a stroke patient, this emergency unit can deliver, starting from the diagnostic,” he said.

“We have here inside the unit advanced cutting-edge technology in addition to a cutting edge point-of-care lab and advanced medicine equipped with an AI for imaging.

“After establishing diagnosis, we could deliver the management for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and all the studies have shown that using this ambulance would lead to improved clinical outcome for both strokes and save the healthcare system a lot of budget.”

One of the most innovative features of the Mobile Stroke Unit is its ability to conduct CT scans and brain imaging while in transit, enabling medical teams to immediately determine whether the stroke is caused by a blocked artery or hemorrhage.

This allows staff to administer appropriate treatment on the spot, potentially saving millions of brain cells with each minute gained.

Patients treated within the first hour of symptom onset have a 70 percent higher chance of regaining normal function compared to those who experience delays in treatment, the hospital said.

The introduction of the Mobile Stroke Unit reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation as part of its Vision 2030 goals.

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the Kingdom, ranking third after heart disease and diabetes. By reducing the time between symptom onset and treatment, KFSHRC aims to lower the mortality rate and improve stroke outcomes for survivors, significantly improving their quality of life.

KFSHRC is recognized as a pioneering hospital and is well known for its medical research in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.


Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.

The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.

The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.

Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef’s role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.

Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.

UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.


Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the establishment of seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in regions selected for their suitability: Jazan, Asir, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran.

Construction is expected to be completed this year, with operations beginning in 2026. The facilities will add to the four existing stations in Abha, Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry said the projects will aim to preserve and strengthen the local bee strain and reduce reliance on imported colonies, as the Kingdom currently imports about 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually.

The stations will implement programs, including training in queen rearing and artificial insemination, along with promoting practical breeding techniques.

The initiative also includes guidance on advanced beekeeping methods and measures to limit the spread of diseases and pests associated with imported bees. Research will be conducted to support the maintenance and development of local strains.

The ministry said that the projects involve selective breeding based on research and may be offered for investment through beekeepers’ cooperatives or the private sector. Efforts will also be made to support and market the stations’ output.

In line with World Bee Day on May 20, the ministry has called for improving the knowledge and practices of beekeepers to help protect bee populations from disease, pests, pesticides, and environmental stressors.

It also referred to the launch of initiatives to encourage modern beekeeping, increase production efficiency, and support those working in the sector.

There are 25,644 licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia, producing 5,832 tonnes of honey from 1 million beehives. The Kingdom’s varied vegetation supports the production of about 20 types of honey, including sidr, talh, and samar.


Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use.

The authority aims to reach diverse community segments, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It highlighted the importance of purchasing home medical devices from licensed suppliers that offer warranties and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance.

The authority also urged the need to verify that the device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate.

Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the authority advised consulting a qualified healthcare professional to select the most appropriate device for an individual’s condition.

It also highlighted the importance of reviewing usage and care instructions, and obtaining any necessary training before purchase.

General safety guidelines include ensuring instructions are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt, keeping devices out of reach of children and pets to prevent tampering, and following recommended calibration and maintenance schedules.

The authority called on the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at ade.sfda.gov.sa/Home/NcmdrReport or by calling the unified number 19999.


Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, has released a new book on the history of the adhan (call to prayer) and biographies of the muezzins of the Two Holy Mosques throughout the centuries.

The book was authored by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, member of the Council of Senior Scholars and imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque.

It meticulously examines the adhan ritual in the Two Holy Mosques, covering its origins, virtues, and significance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The book is divided into three sections: the adhan’s history, biographies of 95 Grand Mosque muezzins, and 147 Prophet’s Mosque muezzins.

It presents biographies of muezzins who have issued the call to prayer from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present, the SPA reported.

Drawing on credible historical sources and interviews, the author used a scientific approach to document the evolution of adhan tools and the relationship between the muezzin and the mosque.

The book also highlights the Saudi government’s support in selecting skilled muezzins and using advanced audio technology for local and global broadcasts.

This publication enriches the foundation’s collection, serving as a vital resource for researchers and those interested in the history of the Two Holy Mosques and Islamic rituals.


National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj
Updated 20 May 2025
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National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj
  • Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities

JEDDAH: The National Water Co., through its Western Cluster, has completed 18 infrastructure and operational projects ahead of the Hajj season in Makkah and the holy sites, valued at SR400 million ($106 million).

The projects are part of efforts to refine water and environmental services for residents, visitors and the millions of pilgrims expected during Hajj.

Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities.

Capital works include the construction of a 190,000-cubic meter steel water tank along with the development and rehabilitation of water storage facilities, main pipelines, valve rooms and distribution networks.

These efforts are designed to support supply sustainability and reliability, particularly during peak pilgrimage hours.

Operational upgrades include the installation of advanced monitoring systems such as pressure gauges, meters and network sensors. Pumps and isolation valves across water, wastewater, fire and cooling systems have also been modernized to boost performance.

More than 1,200 technical, engineering and administrative staff have been assigned to oversee operations and maintain uninterrupted service during the Hajj season. The company said it will provide round-the-clock water supply to the Prophet’s Mosque and key religious and historical sites in Madinah.

To safeguard water quality, all storage units and connections to pilgrim accommodation are subject to testing. Monitoring is conducted through teams at central and mobile laboratories, which can analyze more than 1,000 water samples per day.

Water flow in Madinah’s central area will be managed using a smart operation system connected to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition monitoring and control room, allowing real-time oversight throughout the Hajj season.