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Ministry of Health’s Exhibit at Al Janadriya Creates Significant Public Interest

25 April 2011

The Ministry of Health’s exhibit at Al Janadriya’s26thNational Festival for Heritage and Culture generated a significant amount of public interest. A large number of visitors stopped by to collect health awareness brochures, to learn about the many services provided to the public by MOH, and to learn about the Kingdom’s significant progress in the medical field.

The General Supervisor of the Ministry’s Festival section, Mr. Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al Hedithi, explained that the exhibit included examples of medical equipment used in the past, such as glucose meters, sphygmomanometer, ‏Al Hejama, medical ventilators and outdated surgical instruments. This display was designed to show visitors how much modern medicine has advanced in recent years.

The Ministry’s exhibit also included a Blood Bank, at which everyone interested in giving blood could be evaluated for their eligibility to donate. Donors must be at least 18 years of age, must weigh more than 35 Kg, and must also meet other blood donation criteria. Blood samples collected are then taken to the central laboratory in Riyadh to ensure that donations are free of transmitted disease and safe to use.

900 visitors visited the Tobacco Control exhibit, where they received health awareness tips, stop-smoking recommendations and detailed information about the dangerous side effects and diseases related to tobacco use.

In the Nursing section of the exhibit, a specialized nursing team measured biomarkers and gave important tips for giving injections; nurses also demonstrated the proper use of glucose meters and blood pressure monitors. This section also provided visiting mothers with first aid treatment tips for burns, and distributed first aid brochures. The staff also gave several lectures about how to deal with sudden accidents at home.

Mr. AL Hedithi added that the Ministry exhibit also included models, photographs and documentary films about the development of health services in the Kingdom. Participants could also compete in daily health information quizzes, with prizes given to the winners.

The General Supervisor for the Forensic Medicine Section, Dr. Husain Bahashwan, explained that the exhibit highlighted the significant role played by forensic medicine in solving criminal cases, including those involving domestic abuse. 41-year-old photographs of coroners performing autopsies for criminal cases were on display, along with examples of old forensic medical reports. Some old and new forensic instruments were also on view.

Dr. AL Bahashwan added that many people have the impression that a coroner’s mission is only to autopsy bodies, but that forensic medicine also plays a major role in such areas as crime scene examination and in detecting evidence of sexual and physical assault in living victims. Forensic specialists also participate in forensic commissions, provide professional opinions, process physical evidence and help victims to recover from the physical and psychological aftereffects of violence.