RIYADH, 15 May 2006 — Many diseases in the Kingdom are due to people’s diet and lifestyles, said Dr. Othman Al-Rabeeah, deputy minister of health. He made the statement at the opening of a regional symposium entitled “Health Awareness for Communication and Health Specialists” on Saturday.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the Kingdom was keen that people should follow correct lifestyles for their good health. “Many diseases could be prevented if proper preventive measures were taken,” he said, pointing out that diabetes, cardiac disorders, obesity and several other problems are due to improper food, lack of physical exercises and too little rest. “The ministry’s mission is to educate people and keep them away from preventable diseases,” he stressed.
Answering questions from reporters, Dr. Al-Rabeeah appealed to the media to act with responsibility in reporting news stories on health. It would be preferable that people conversant in the field be assigned to write about health since misreporting can cause serious consequences. He pointed out that the Kingdom’s 1,850 primary health care centers play an effective role in treating patients and educating the public.
The general director also opened an exhibition which will run until Monday. Seven hospitals and six pharmaceutical companies displayed their products and services at the three-day show. Participants at the meeting included delegates from GCC countries, Lebanon and Egypt.
Dr. Khaled Al-Merghalani, the general supervisor for communications and health awareness campaign, said the Health Ministry strongly believed in health awareness. “Beginning this year, we have initiated awareness programs against Hepatitis B, obesity and cancer to reduce cases arising because of negligence and improper health care,” he said, adding that more such programs were planned for the future.
