In line with the recommendations of the 55th conference of the GCC Council of Ministers of Health, the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has started the works of the health survey project, which is part of the WHO International Health Survey. The survey aims at providing correct information for comparison purposes, establishing a system for measuring the extent or realizing required goals, and providing information for use of decision makers.
The Kingdom is the first country in the Gulf region and the Middle East to execute this survey since it has been implemented for the first time in 2002. It is carried out under the supervision of the World Health Organization, the participation of which includes providing survey forms and technical support, assisting in analyzing the results, forming joint work teams for revising health policies in accordance with attained results, and establishing a system for collecting and analyzing health information.
The Ministry of Health has, therefore, established a work team under the chairmanship of the Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Al-Mane for starting the works of this vital project.
A number of goals have been set for this project, including updating the health indicators of the population, establishing effective statistical tools for measuring the health systems applied in the Kingdom, and building a detailed database for use of decision makers.
The Ministry of Health has appointed 575 individuals for carrying out the works of the survey. A cluster sample of 10900 families representing the whole population in the Kingdom has been selected from the Central Department of Statistics and Information. Work teams have been selected from among highly qualified and experienced individuals who are well acquainted with the geography of the Kingdom and work sites. Works shall continue for 40 days, starting as of 12/05/2007.
The lists of the work teams include coordinators, field supervisors, and researchers, each work team including a doctor and a nurse. The questionnaires distributed to selected samples include a questionnaire for families and another for individuals.
The Ministry of Health calls upon all families and individuals to cooperate with work teams, who will be provided by distinctive IDs. All collected information shall be dealt with confidentially in accordance with the standards adopted by the World Health Organization.