For the tenth consecutive year, the Ministry of Health (MoH) launched its phone-in program on Sunday to receive people’s inquiries regarding various health problems they encounter during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The program, which is entitled ‘Your Health in Ramadan’, kicked-off on the first day of the holy month,” Amal Abu Jedaie, director of the media information and health awareness center at the Ministry of Health, told Arab News.

The program seeks to assist Muslims across the Kingdom in understanding any medical problems they might encounter during Ramadan, she added.

The program this year is focused on ensuring Muslims maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle and will stress the importance of taking prescribed doses of medication in a timely manner during the holy month. The service is available on toll free number 800 249 4444. It will be operated in Arabic and is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

“We have arranged a panel of specialist doctors in various fields to take questions from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays throughout the month,” she said, adding that the physicians would also interact with the public through social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

The official indicated that the annual Ramadan program has become a hit and her expressed hope that it would attract a larger audience this year.

“We assure all callers strict confidentiality of the information provided during their telephone inquiries,” she said, highlighting that individuals suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension may ask about their dose of medicine and how they should consume their insulin during the month. Alongside the program, Abu Jedaie said, the ministry would continue with its health education program aired on television and radio channels.

“The program advocates for a balanced lifestyle during Ramadan as well as the consumption of right portions of food and taking prescribed medication regularly,” she said. The ministry has been carrying out a similar program to advise people about what to eat to overcome the heat during the summer season, she explained, noting that the program would continue with a focus on Ramadan.

On the first day, Dr. Ummul Khair Abha Al-Khair, specialist on tumor and blood related diseases answered calls on various topics of interests, while on Monday, Dr. Razan Al-Muharrib will discuss children’s diseases and on Tuesday Dr. Roaa Al-Harithy will dwell on general diseases with special reference to skin diseases. Dr. Khalid Al-Nimer and Dr. Eman Shasha will also join the panel to assist callers.