JEDDAH: The city’s health department plans to install surveillance cameras at all 88 of its medical facilities.

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson of the department, was quoted as saying by a local publication that work has already begun with cameras installed at five health facilities.

He said this is being done for security reasons and that cameras have already been installed at other government and private hospitals. They would be set up in reception rooms, pharmacies, corridors and parking lots. Areas for women and examination rooms are exempt.

The cameras would be linked to the health department in Jeddah and record events 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While some employees and patients have complained, he said this was being done to safeguard everyone.

There have been calls from some members of the public to have cameras installed at all public places, including shopping centers and mosques.

All new and larger mosques in Jeddah must install internal and external surveillance cameras under new directives announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in August.