Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Joining hands with the government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, major Saudi energy companies have contributed a whopping SR525 million to the country’s Health Endowment Fund, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The move follows Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s call for support to the national health efforts being made to combat the pandemic and the directives of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, who is continuously monitoring the coordination and cooperation among various government agencies.

Welcoming the contribution, the Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is also the chairman of the Board of Directors of Health Endowment Fund, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and major companies operating in the field of oil and gas, renewable energy, electricity and petrochemicals for the initiative.

The Health Endowment Fund is a legal entity established by a decision of the Cabinet and aims to enhance the role of society in supporting government efforts in health development.

Out of the total SR525 million contribution to the fund, SR200 came from Saudi Aramco.

“The support is an extension of Saudi Aramco's national role and the fulfillment of its responsibility towards the society,” the company said.

In a separate announcement, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and its partners pledged SR30 million contribution, while the company’s contractors and suppliers vowed a contribution of SR 24.65 million.

The company said that it is part of its national duty to support the government as well as in appreciation of the efforts of the health personnel.