The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, has directed the Ministry of Health to provide the best possible healthcare services to citizens both in and out of the Kingdom. To help meet the King’s expectations, the High Medical Commission has contracted with international specialized medical centers, according to the regulations of their countries, to receive 870 complicated medical cases to be treated abroad during the year of 1431 H. 126 of these cases involve organ transplants (liver, bone marrow, kidneys and other organs.) This announcement was made by the Director General of Medical Organizations and Health Offices Abroad and Chairman of the High Medical Commission, Dr. Khaled Al Hussein.
Dr. Al Hussein explained that these cases are studied by the High Medical Commission in its role as an independent authority, according to Royal Decree No. (8766/B) on 15/6/1417 H, and Royal Decree No. (4700/B) on 8/5/1430 H. These decrees require that the High Medical Commission study all cases referred to the Ministry of Health for treatment abroad. The High Medical Commission is composed of healthcare representatives from numerous organizations in the Kingdom, including: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense and Aviation, Ministry of Interior, the National Guard, King Saud University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. The Commission examines each case to determine whether or not patients can receive proper treatment at any of the specialized referral hospitals in the Kingdom.
Dr. Al Hussein explained that the process of referring cases to be treated abroad involves studying each case objectively, scientifically, practically and fairly to reach the best decision, bearing in mind that the patient’s best interests are always paramount. The Commission also communicates with physicians in the Kingdom to discuss cases subjectively. X-rays, CDs and laboratory results are studied in order to determine a treatment plan, after which a statement is issued as to whether or not patients will be granted treatment abroad at the government’s expense.
Dr. Al Hussein also noted that the role of the Ministry of Health is limited to following-up previously-approved High Medical Commission cases according to their place of residence. The MOH will facilitate visas for patients and their companions, and arrange for them to be transported by commercial or medical evacuation aircraft, as needed. Royal directions state that companions must be both Saudi and also first-class relatives. The Saudi Health Offices Abroad books appointments for patients at overseas treatment centers and supervises their treatment.
Regarding local treatment, the Ministry of Health has referred 43,808 patients to specialized medical centers in the Kingdom, most of which involved eye diseases (17%), heart diseases (14%), internal diseases (12%) and tumors (10%). The referral of all of these patients was undertaken by 18 general medical commissions from all of the major regions of the Kingdom.