His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir Region and Chairman of the Asir Region Development Authority, announced the designation of King Khalid University Medical City as a specialized medical city serving the southern regions of the Kingdom, with a capacity of up to 750 beds and 41 medical specialties. The city will be part of an integrated system combining healthcare, education, research, and innovation, while King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre will continue to provide scientific oversight, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, particularly in oncology care.
The announcement came as the Governor of Asir Region presided today over the inauguration ceremony of a number of healthcare projects and initiatives in the region. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan; Minister of Health, H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel; Dr. Majed bin Ibrahim AlFayyadh, Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre; Dr. Faleh bin Rajaa Allah AlSulami, President of King Khalid University; and Mr. Emad AlKharashi, Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, along with a number of officials and leaders from the government, healthcare, and education sectors.
Prince Turki bin Talal explained that the designation of the medical city was the result of integrated efforts over the past year among the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and King Khalid University, under the technical and scientific supervision of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. The initiative aims to elevate specialized healthcare services in the region to the highest levels of excellence, quality, and efficiency.
He noted that work on this direction began a year ago, culminating in the designation of King Khalid University Medical City as a specialized medical city serving the southern regions of the Kingdom, instead of proceeding with the King Faisal Medical City for the Southern Regions project in its previous form. This approach makes use of the existing medical facility and the infrastructure and equipment already completed there.
Prince Turki bin Talal pointed out that King Khalid University Medical City represents an extension of the university's journey toward global recognition, while also strengthening the specialized healthcare system across the southern regions of the Kingdom. He affirmed that this approach reflects the optimal use of state resources, directing them toward priority healthcare needs, providing specialized medical services, and bringing specialized care closer to beneficiaries.
He further highlighted that healthcare advancement in Asir Region extends to community health and quality of life. He noted that the designation of Abha, Muhayil Asir, Tareeb, and King Khalid University City as internationally accredited healthy cities is evidence of the region's achievements in this area. The designation of the specialized medical city adds another milestone to the region's development journey, contributing to healthier communities, higher-quality healthcare services, and a healthcare system advancing toward global recognition.
The Governor of Asir Region explained that the integration among the Asir Region Development Authority, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, King Khalid University, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre embodies the concept of effective government envisioned under Saudi Vision 2030. This is achieved through institutional integration, a shared commitment to serving people, and measuring success by its impact. He noted that an agreement was reached with the Minister of Health to preserve and invest in the existing building on King Abdullah Road in a manner that serves the region's future.
The program began with the Governor of Asir Region and the ministers touring the Asir Region Governorate exhibition, which showcases a number of projects and initiatives representing part of the region's healthcare sector plan, along with visual displays highlighting healthcare achievements and activities across the region's governorates and centers.
The Governor and the attendees then received a briefing in the Operations Room on its functions, structure, and work methodology, in addition to a presentation on support governance and integration with the healthcare sector.
Following this, the Governor visited the Asir Region branch of the Ministry of Health, where he reviewed a presentation on the branch's operations, components, and key initiatives, as well as their impact on enhancing healthcare services provided to beneficiaries. He also witnessed the recognition of a number of employees involved in one of the healthcare initiatives.
The Governor and the attendees then toured the Malhi bin Salama Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, where he reviewed its specialized departments and services. The center includes 38 specialized clinics, two therapeutic exercise halls, and a specialized laboratory. It uses advanced 3D printing and robotic rehabilitation technologies to strengthen the medical rehabilitation system and help beneficiaries regain functional abilities.
He also received a briefing on the center's services for manufacturing prostheses and orthotic devices, molding plaster and plastic casts, and assembling upper-limb prostheses, in addition to the center's integrated rehabilitation solutions that contribute to improving beneficiaries' quality of life and enhancing their independence.
At King Khalid University's Al-Fara'a campus, Prince Turki bin Talal received accreditation certificates for four healthy cities from the World Health Organization, presented by Minister of Health, H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel.
The accredited healthy cities in Asir Region are Abha, Muhayil Asir, Tareeb, and King Khalid University City, bringing the total number of internationally accredited healthy cities in the Kingdom to 21. Meanwhile, life expectancy in the region has increased to 81.1 years, reflecting the integrated efforts to promote community health, prevention, and quality of life.
The Governor also toured a digital exhibition showcasing the work of healthy cities and related programs, and visited an introductory exhibition featuring volunteers who shared their experiences, roles, and contributions. He then witnessed the launch of the “Baseera" Initiative after being briefed on the efforts of Diaa Association related to the initiative.
Following this, the Governor of Asir Region inaugurated the Sheikh Malhi bin Salama Dialysis Center at King Khalid University Medical City. The center has 27 dialysis chairs and a capacity of approximately 150 patients per week, strengthening the capacity of renal care services and enhancing the quality of care provided to beneficiaries.
He also inaugurated the Malhi bin Salama Oncology Center, which has 33 chemotherapy rooms and provides integrated services, including surgical, radiation, and medical treatment, as well as diagnostic nuclear medicine. The center also offers specialized clinics and supportive and palliative care services, further strengthening the oncology care system and enhancing the integration of specialized healthcare services in the region.
The Governor and the attendees watched a number of films conveying messages of hope, courage, support, and compassion, highlighting the impact of the healthcare initiatives and services provided on the lives of beneficiaries.
He then honored the initiative's main supporter, Sheikh Malhi bin Salama bin Saeedan, along with the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, and the Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, in recognition of their contributions and support for healthcare projects and initiatives in the region.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Prince Turki bin Talal expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministers of Health and Education, the President of King Khalid University, the Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, and the participating teams, commending their collaboration and unified efforts.