The Ministry of Health has announced launching the Fields Visits Program to upgrade 28 MOH's hospitals, to create and implement Antibiotics Use Optimization Program; a recommendation put forward by the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria.
According to MOH, this program is in line with the auspicious royal leave for the Kingdom's participation in the global health security agenda lead by the World Health Organization (WHO), which features eleven portfolios, to secure an infection-free world within five years - Allah Willing. Also, this program reflects the Health Minister's approval to take part in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and set up the National Committee for Combating Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria presided by the Director General of Health Facilities Infection Control, consultant of infectious diseases Dr. Hail Al-Abdely.
The field visits were headed by infectious disases consultant, medical director of King Fahad Medical City Dr. Mushira Abdulaziz Enani. Members include an elite of infectious disease doctors and pharmacists from different sectors. So far, 12 hospitals have been visited in Makkah, Riyadh, Qassim, Asir and Bisha. As well, physicians have been trained and hospitals' readiness to introduce antibiotics use optimization program has been assessed.
It is worth noting that MOH is implementing a series of awareness and education activities and events on antibiotics, to brief all community individuals and health practitioners about the importance of antibiotics rationalization and use optimization through extensive awareness activities across the Kingdom via health facilities and trade centers.