The Ministry of Health (MOH) has celebrated today (Tuesday) the graduation of the second batch of the Infection Control Diploma Program, including 38 students, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health for Public Health, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Saeed.
The celebration started with a speech delivered by the Director General of Health Facilities Infection Control, Dr. Hail Mater Al Abdali, in which he expressed his happiness for qualifying and developing the skills of these cadres to be able to carry out the activities, tasks and programs of infection control, the matter which is considered the cornerstone for the success of such programs and achieving the desired goal, represented in curbing the infection inside the health facilities.
Al Abdali explained, "The program was established in cooperation with the Joint Commission International (JCI), and fashioned in accordance with the latest evidence-based medical practices." He pointed out that the first batch of this program graduated in 2013, describing this experience as 'successful'. "Today we celebrate the graduation of the second batch," he said, indicating that the program undergoes periodic review and continuous improvement. He added that the training centers have reached currently up to seven centers in a number of the Kingdom's regions and they are expected to increase to nine during the coming few years.
On his part, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health for Preventive Health and the Supervisor General of the Infection Control Program, Dr. Abdullah bin Mufrih Esseiri, said in his speech, "Controlling and preventing infection at health facilities are regarded as one of the pressing issues for the community in general, and health practitioners in particular. The Ministry has already taken the lead in supporting and developing infection control programs. Furthermore, such programs have been regarded as one of the Ministry's top priorities, and a part of its annual strategy. The Ministry is continuously seeking to provide all the requirements for putting into effect such programs." He pointed out that an agreement was made with five reference hospitals to host the trainees during the practical training. "In addition," he said, "sixty trainees were selected from various regions to join this diploma."
In a similar fashion, the Representative of the Joint International Commission has reviewed the theoretical and practical approach received by the graduates during the study and training period and wished them all success in their work at the health facilities.
Over and above, the Deputy Minister of Health for Public Health, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Saeed, delivered a speech in which he said, "Proceeding from the MOH's keenness to improve quality of health services delivered to citizens and residents in the Kingdom and within the framework of the ministry's acknowledgement of the significance of having qualified health cadres specialized in infection control inside its health facilities through applying international standards related to infection control and reducing risks of infection transmission inside health facilities, the ministry has sought to create a comprehensive training program in collaboration with the JCI to qualify the participants in the program to obtain the infection control diploma to enrich the work environment with graduates specialized in infection control and prevention of infectious diseases. This can be accomplished through a high-quality training program, which is capable of boosting graduates' scientific and practical skills to be the changing leaders in their health facilities."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. bin Saeed handed out the graduates the graduation certificates and appreciation gifts, and the memorial photos were taken.
It's worth mentioning here that the program is the first of its kind in this field as the Ministry of Health has recruited consultants from the JCI to develop the curriculum, implement the theoretical part and supervise the practical side. The program is accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and approved as a pioneering scientific degree worldwide, in which high- quality education is provided for whoever seeking to develop and improve the scientific skills related to infection control and protection against infectious diseases.