By Hussain Hazzazi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Citizens have complained about shortage of important medical equipment and facilities at the operation and emergency sections of King Abdulaziz Hospital in Jeddah and said this situation has weakened services to patients. Informed sources close to the hospital told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the organization lacked some important medical equipment and devices, which are essential for diagnosis and treatment as well as some materials required for operations such as gloves. The source stressed that there is huge shortage of surgical needles and related material at the hospital’s operation section and some materials required for abdominal operation. “We have noticed that there is a lack of essential medicines at the hospital, such as pain killers and antibiotics as well as dearth of some electronic devices,” the source pointed out. Meanwhile, some patients and their relatives, who requested anonymity, complained about the lack of cleanliness at the hospital. Moreover, there is shortage of administrators and nurses, especially in the emergency section and outpatient clinics. “Many patients in the emergency department do not receive proper care from the medical staff,” the source told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Citizens also complained about hospital employees’ negligence as they often gather at the nearby park during working hours for smoking, making phone calls and chatting without doing their duties. “This shows absence of a monitoring regime,” a Saudi patient said. The Health Affairs Department in Jeddah totally refuted the allegations. “There is no shortage of medicine and equipment at King Abdulaziz Hospital,” said an official incharge of public relations. “The complaints made by patients against the hospital and its management are unfounded. The hospital management supplies medicines and equipment whenever there is a shortage,” the official added. Health authorities inspect the hospital twice daily, especially its vital sections. “There is a plan to further improve services at the hospital and meet patients’ requirements in line with the Kingdom’s national transformation program and Vision 2030.” The official underlined the management’s endeavors to ensure the hospital’s cleanliness and security through continuous inspection and deployment of adequate number of cleaners and security personnel.