“We have noticed an increase in the use of all types of drugs in recent months,” said Dr. Sami Badawood, director of health in Jeddah.
Al-Amal Hospital in Jeddah received four cases of heroin overdoses during the last two days and one of them died, Badawood said on Sunday. He said Al-Amal Hospital works around the clock to receive and treat cases of drug addiction. He urged parents not to hesitate to take their children to hospital if they suspect them of addiction.
Drug abuse has become major problem in the Kingdom and reports of drug busts are common in the local media.
Speaking about the overall health situation in the city, Badawood said no infectious diseases have been reported at hospitals in Jeddah, especially after the arrival of millions of pilgrims from different parts of the world to perform Umrah during Ramadan.
“The health situation in Jeddah is absolutely normal,” the director said, adding that there was not much pressure on hospitals and health centers in the city.
He said 232 medical personnel have been appointed at health centers in King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port. They would remain in those health facilities until the end of the upcoming Haj season.
