Authorities have urged hospitals to exercise constant care and caution while dealing with emergency cases.

Personnel working in hospitals are required to go through orientation and training programs to deal with any untoward incident or natural disasters, Brig. Salim Al-Mutraifi, director of civil defense in Jeddah, said.

Addressing doctors and paramedical personnel at the Health Affairs Directorate in Jeddah on Thursday, he explained procedures for evacuation in the event of road accidents, fire mishaps or other emergency situations.

Dr. Mohammed Hassan Bajuber, director of Emergency Management in the Ministry of Health in Jeddah, said: “Working closely with Civil Defense teams would be advantageous for health personnel who are working in the field and are involved in rescuing patients from the spot.”

More than a hundred doctors and nurses from hospitals in Jeddah participated in the safety program, a statement issued by the Ministry of Health said.

In another development on Wednesday, Dr. Abdul Salam Noorwali, the newly appointed Director General of Health Affairs in Makkah region, made his maiden visit to Jeddah where he held an official meeting with directors of all hospitals in Jeddah Governorate.

He was welcomed by Dr. Sami Badawood, director of Ministry of Health in Jeddah governorate.

The new director inspected the Maternity and Children’s hospital in Musadiah and King Fahd Hospital in the city. He inspected the laboratories, emergency rooms and operation theaters of these hospitals.

He also formally inaugurated the electronic data system for patients at the dental clinic at King Fahd Hospital. Dr. Fawaz Al Ghamdi, director of the center, explained the various features of the project.

Dr. Sami Abdul Salaam urged doctors to meet the standards of professionalism in health care and also ensure good patient relations.