DAMMAM — A senior health official emphasized the government’s efforts to raise average life expectancy of Saudis from 76 to 80 years, one of the objectives of the Vision 2030, which he said could be realized not only by improving treatment methods but also by taking preventive care.
“The patient has become the focus of the Kingdom’s healthcare system more than any time before,” said Dr. Adel Abdul Qader Tash, a cardiac surgeon and adviser to the deputy health minister on the sidelines of the 8th heart conference at Saud Al-Babtain Cardiac Center in Dammam.
“The Health Ministry has embarked on a plan to enhance and expand healthcare services for the benefit of citizens all over the Kingdom,” the official said.
According to Tash, 20 percent of the Kingdom’s population is hit by type 2 diabetes. “Artificial sugar in foodstuffs and drinks is as dangerous as tobacco to health,” he pointed out.
He told Saudis that they can avoid diabetes by avoiding food that contains artificial sugar, reducing intake of carbohydrates and regular exercise. “By exercise I don’t mean just walking but practicing endurance sports,” he added.
Speaking about the ministry’s cardiac services, Tash said: “It has three primary objectives: provide heart patients with access to advanced medical services; provide them with high quality services; and supply advanced equipment and well-qualified doctors to provide the service.”
He said the Vision 2030 has boosted healthcare services all over the Kingdom. “People’s health will be improved through preventive measures, establishment of medical cities and monitoring foodstuffs in the market and meals at restaurants,” he added.
Tash stressed the ministry’s plan to control the sale of tobacco and conduct health awareness programs at schools.
He described the artificial heart program at Saud Al-Babtain Cardiac Center as an important initiative. “The ministry and its top officials support and encourage these initiatives,” he said while praising the good result of the artificial heart transplantation program at the center.
Tash said the heart operation program in the Kingdom, being a nascent development, requires more qualified doctors including international experts. “Heart surgery services are available only in a few Middle Eastern countries,” he added.
He said there are about 40,000 patients suffering from congestive heart muscle failure. “About half of them require surgical intervention,” he added.
Tash emphasized the role of mothers at home in protecting hearts of family members by selecting and preparing good food. They should avoid using artificial sugar and white flour and saturated fat while cooking various food items and eateries, he added.
