Health Minister Khalid Al-Falih started his first day with a general reception of senior ministry officials and employees at the headquarters of the ministry on Thursday morning.

He expressed deep gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for his trust in him.

“I deeply thank the king for the appointment and I pray to Allah almighty to be up to the trust,” he said, assuring that King Salman gives health sector personal attention.

The minister stressed the importance of health care services for citizens as well as expats, pledging strong support to leaders and employees at the ministry in their efforts to provide the best health care possible.

“We have three pillars of excellence: the limitless support of King Salman and his government; the skilled manpower; and institutional work. We need to work with a team spirit and to cooperate with all health sectors in the country to achieve and maintain that level,” he said.

Al-Falih said that one of the earliest duties that he will perform is to attend the graduation ceremony of 120 physicians at King Faisal Hospital. “It will be one of my early duties and that will contribute to the consolidation of the second pillar of our excellence in health care.”

Following the reception, he toured offices and greeted officials at their workplaces receiving their congratulations and listening to their remarks and recommendations to improve work and services.