The Ministry of Health has approved treatment of 35 patients abroad.

Mishal Abdullah Al-Mishal, head of the ministry's medical commission, was quoted by the local media as saying that 21 patients would go to the United States, eight to Britain, four to France, and two each to Belgium and Switzerland.

The ministry also extended the treatment of 40 patients in the United States, five in Germany, and two each in Britain and France, he said.

He said 42 medical requests were sent to China, 11 to the United States, and two to Germany to determine the availability of treatment in those countries.

Meanwhile, 57 patients were referred to hospitals in the Kingdom, he said.

The ministry rejected treatment of 19 people abroad because of the availability of care in the Kingdom. A total of 27 patients would have their treatment extended in the country.