JEDDAH: Many citizens have called on the government to change its one-shift policy of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at primary health clinics, saying it does not fit in with those who have jobs, and the Saudi lifestyle.

Many people said they were surprised at the change in working hours, according to a report in a local publication recently.

"The new working hours are not appropriate for me or others. I took time off from my job, some other functions and errands to come to this health center only to find the doors closed. Officials must consider decisions before implementation," said Mohammad Al-Alawi, a citizen, outside a local clinic.

Hassan Al-Mohathar, who said he suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, expressed dismay at the new working hours. He said he used to leave home early in the morning without eating so that he could have his checkups done.

"Now I can no longer do that because of the new hours, which coincide with the peak rush-hour traffic," said Al-Mohathar. Officials must reconsider their decision, or delay its application to survey more people, he said.

Umm Talal and several other female patients also expressed disappointment at the new opening hours at their local clinic.

Khalaf Al-Mutairi, the director of Al-Aziziya Medical Center, said the clinic offers its services to people living over a wide geographical area. He said many came for treatment in the early hours of the morning despite the announcement that times had changed.

Khaled Mirghalani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said the new working hours were instituted after a poll was conducted involving over 25,000 people. He said it was not an arbitrary decision.

He said every decision taken by the ministry is scientifically reviewed and studied by specialized committees. The poll was conducted on the Internet, over the telephone and directly with patients at clinics, he said.

The decision took into account that the ministry has 272 hospitals including emergency units operating around the clock, he said. However, the ministry would study the negative comments from some patients, he said.