Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsin Al Dkheil, Supervisor-General of the MOH's Patient Relations Program, said, “The sparkling words attributed to the Custodian of the Holy Mosques - May Allah protect him to be a treasure for the Kingdom, Islam and the humanity at large, as he already is – to the effect that "nothing is more important than citizens' health", and that "citizens' health should be paid special attention"; theses words have been always resonating in our minds since the beginning to consider the establishment of the program, passing through the phases of its development, leading up to its implementation in all the MOH's curative institutions.”
In his speech before the “First Patient Relations Program,” Dr. Al Dkheil made clear that the words of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, have always been prompting the Ministry of Health towards making every effort in pursuit of maintaining patients' health and safety, and ascertaining the provision of the best healthcare levels for them in all health facilities throughout the Kingdom. It is for this very reason, Al Dkheil pointed out, that our Wise Leadership spared no effort in developing these facilities and supporting them with the highly qualified and well trained staff, so that they can undertake they responsibilities, in line with the international standards.
In concordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to proceed on the comprehensive development as regards the improvement of health services, Al Dkheil continued, His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, has issued a number of administrative decisions meant to the attainment of a range of targets, most notable developing administrative work, laying down the groundwork for institutional and collective work, raise the productivity of departments and sections, strengthening their relations with patients and paying thorough attention to their complaints and observations, in addition to abiding by the comprehensive quality standards and promoting medical performance, so as to bring about a breakthrough fulfilling the Governors' aspirations and coping with the accelerating developments in the domain of health taking place throughout the world. He explained that the Patient Relations Program is but one program of many, intended to embody these wise decisions.
Dr. Al Dkheil further expounded that the Ministry of Health is assiduous not to be isolated, and to benefit from the others' experiences, both at the domestic, regional and international level, with a view to building upon their advantages and averting their shortcomings, thus embracing all that is appropriate for the Kingdom's culture and circumstances. He also affirmed that His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, has been always present with his sighted views and directives throughout this pivotal phase in which the vision, mission, objectives and organizational structured have been formulated, in addition to preparing the policies, procedures, evidences and forms needed for conducting the work; thereby training all employees of various posts and degrees on the skills necessary for undertaking the tasks assigned to them in a way that fulfills the Program's objectives.
Dr. Al Dkheil drew attention to the fact that the program is now staffed by a number of over 1000 employees of both genders at all the service levels, stressing that they are permanently working on creating appropriate conditions for patients to bring about familiarity with those receiving the service. This staff provides the opportunity for patients to express their needs and their observations and help them to learn to cope with rules and regulations in health institutions, focusing on the important role of these workers in seeking the causes of problems and addressing them before they occur or intervene to solve problems on occurrence, in addition to meeting the needs of patients, and informing them of their rights, and, furthermore, defending these rights.
The Supervisor-General of the Patient Relations Program, Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsin Al Dkheil, emphasized that the aspiration of the Program to implement the theme "Patient First" is beyond doubt. It is supported by the Minister of Health to bring it into reality. The program, in collaboration with experts in IT Department at the Ministry, is currently planning to implement several electronic connectivity projects in order to connect all the Program's operations and referrals with all other departments electronically, he said.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Dkheil continued, the Patient Relations Program is seeking to develop work through electronic connectivity in the electronic processes of the inventory, classification, analysis and follow-up of patients' complaints, in addition to some other initiatives in the area of improving and developing online appointment systems, which helps organize and facilitate this process for both patients and medical institutions.
Dr. Al Dkheil said, the Ministry of Health has targeted, through this conference, to review what has been achieved in the context of achieving the objectives of the program, stressing the openness of the Ministry to all that would enhance its performance and apply the theme: "Patient First", positively reflected in enhancing patients' comfort, and helping them to relieve their pain.
During the conference, a large number of local and international eminent speakers are expected to submit 37 scientific papers in 9 workshops including their views, ideas and experiments, Dr. Al Dkheil added.