The Kingdom has spent SR813.6 million to treat Saudi patients abroad, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday.

Mishal Abdullah Al-Mishal, an official from the ministry, said the popular destinations for medical treatment were the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore and China.

In a statement, Al-Mishal said that a royal decree and a recommendation from the High Medical Commission are required for a patient to receive treatment abroad. Doctors handling the cases must certify that there is no treatment available in the Kingdom.

Earlier this year, the Council of Ministers decided to allocate SR600 a day to Saudis receiving medical treatment abroad and SR300 to their companions. Those receiving treatment in the country get SR300 a day.




The government instructs its missions abroad to identify the appropriate hospitals for treatment, Al-Mishal said.

Al-Mishal said doctors study each case carefully including x-rays and laboratory tests. The government provides visas and commercial or private evacuation aircraft if needed. The royal directives stipulate that companions must be Saudis and close relatives.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has directed the Health Ministry to provide citizens the best possible healthcare within and outside the Kingdom.