By Khalid Al-Hamidi
Okaz/Saudi Gazette


MAKKAH — Three patients at the Mental Health Center in Makkah have managed to escape.

A fourth patient fell to his death from the second floor while trying to escape.

Two of the three inmates went to their family homes, while the third has still not been found by the police.

The director of the center was not available for comment.

However, Dr. Hamad Al-Nadawee, assistant director, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that he could not give any statements until the police have completed their investigations.

“Our department prepared a detailed report about the incident in full cooperation with concerned government authorities. A committee has also been formed to look into the specific breaches of security.”

Similarly, Fawaz Al-Sheikh, Makkah Health Affairs spokesman, refused to make any statements.

He said that the case should not be published in the media while the investigations are ongoing.

The Mental Health Center, managed by King Abdul Aziz Hospital, is located at Al-Buhairat District in Makkah and it has a section for men and a section for women. Dr. Al-Nawadee informed Okaz/Saudi Gazette that they are looking into the possibility of relocating the center.

However, he added that this might take some time due to bureaucratic procedures set by the Ministry of Health.