Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Many Saudis suffering from mental disorders are left to wander in the streets by family members who say they do not get necessary support from the authorities. Moreover, there is lack of hospital beds to treat them and bring them back to normal life.

Salim, 48, is one of such patients. “I have been suffering from a certain mental disorder since childhood. In the early years of my life I was staying with my relatives. I returned to my parents at the age of 10. I received my primary education in Jeddah. Soon I showed symptoms psychiatric problems and my father drove me out of my house,” he said while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

Salim was first admitted to a mental health hospital at the age of 18. Since then he has been a frequent visitor to the hospital. His mother died in 1979 and his father two years later.

“I used to engage in small trading activities and sleep in the streets. There were times when I begged for a living. Some people gave me food while others asked me to get out,” Salim said describing his sad plight.

Salim approached the General Organization for Social Insurance to apply for a monthly allowance but his efforts were in vain. He did not get support from anyone and was denied proper healthcare.

There are many others like Salim. Most of them wander in the streets due to non-availability of beds in hospitals. These people pose a social problem because often they mix with drug addicts and beggars.

“This is a major issue and demands the formation of a national institution to provide them with care,” said a social activist who requested anonymity.

“Many patients have to stay at the hospital for long periods, thus authorities find it difficult to provide beds for new patients. As a result many patients are forced to wander in the streets,” the activist said.

However, the Ministry of Health says it is making consistent efforts to address this problem by setting up new mental hospitals across the country.