Having lived in Saudi Arabia for quite a long time, I thought of reflecting my thoughts on health care and safety in that country.
Saudi Arabia has set high standards in the field of health care. It has improved health care facilities to pilgrims to Mecca, the holy place of Muslims.
Saudi Arabia’s health care achievements now match those of many developed countries.Saudis are no longer required to travel abroad to get specialized medical treatment. The country has it’s own facilities to train highly qualified doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. It seems to be having one of the most sophisticated infrastructures in the world. I have seen them earlier going to U.K and U.S.A for medical treatment.
The private sector has also expanded over the past decade. It makes a vital contribution to health services. It operates a number of hospitals and clinics in the country.
The specialist hospitals in Saudi Arabia provide all sorts of treatments including open - heart surgery, kidney transplants and cancer - therapy. Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s largest and best - equipped eye hospitals. Recently, the research centre at King Saud University’s School of Pharmacology developed a new drug that effectively stabilizes the blood sugar levels of diabetics.
The King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh is probably the largest medical facility in the Middle East. The complex includes various medical departments and provides housing for approximately 3000 employees.
Like the Red Cross, there is what is called ’The Saudi Red Crescent Society’, which plays an important role in the health care field. It provides medical services to millions of people who come to Mecca for the annual Islamic religious pilgrimage of Hajj.
About safety ? Okay, you are safe as long as you comply with Saudi laws. No liquor on any account ! You will find only non- alcoholic beverages in the super markets. Some people do smuggle alcoholic drinks from Bahrain and other free countries nearby. If they get caught, punishment is severe. They are put in prison and later deported. Depending on the severity of the crime, there is execution also. This takes place on every friday.
Women cannot come out without covering themselves top to bottom . I wore burkha whenever I had to come out , whether it was to market or to school, where I worked. Women cannot drive ! This is another strict law .Why I am saying all these is, if you are careful in following these Saudi laws, you are definitely safe there.
Otherwise, Saudi Arabia is a nice country to live in, if you are prepared to sacrifice some of your freedom which you may be enjoying in other countries.