The Minister of Health Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Mane said the MOH budget for the year 2007 has been the biggest since its establishment. He said the MOH 2007 budget of SR25 billion Riyals would not have been a reality without the everlasting support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. "The budget has helped MOH greatly in providing high quality health services and accomplishment of many projects", he said at a party organized on Eid occasion. "97 hospitals are now under construction, in addition to a large number of family medicine centers in the different parts of the Kingdom".
Dr. Al-Mane announced for an award under the name of the first Minister of Health His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal to be offered to the best physician, technician, or administrative staffer at the Kingdom level.
He called upon all MOH officials to adopt the open door policy with those who are seeking MOH services, notifying that MOH is a citizen oriented service provider. He urged all MOH employees to avoid smoking within the MOH premises, confirming that any violation thereof shall be met with severe punishment. "MOH has raised its claim against cigarette companies to SR19 billion dollars", he said. "A judicial hearing will be held within the second week of Safar 1429H".
As for the Hajj services, Dr. Al-Mane said this year's season witnessed 80 percent participation of Saudi nurses. "No absence have been noticed", he said. "Saudi volunteer physicians have worked without wage for acquiring field experience during Hajj".
He especially praised the preventive medicine staff for the effective preventive health plan they implemented this year at the Kingdom openings, which has helped greatly in controlling epidemic and contagious diseases. He also praised the chairman of the Hajj health committees, the chairmen of individual health committees, and all who have participated in the Hajj works for the great efforts they exerted.