Free health care for pilgrims a major challenge (AN)
Arab News, 25/06/2008
In a speech to the Knowledge Economy forum in the Holy City of Madinah, Dr. Hamad Al-Manie, the Saudi Arabian Health Minister, said that the provision of free health care, a crucial investment in the well-being of the citizens, contributes to the economy by ensuring the health of the population. “One of the major challenges facing the Saudi health sector is the free health care offered to the 3 million Haj and 10 million Umrah pilgrims who visit the Kingdom annually. For instance, many pilgrims suffer from heart problems, which require expensive medical equipment and expert care,” Al-Manie said.