
Saudi Arabia lifts global health standing with research milestones, WHO Healthy Cities
The Ministry of Health highlighted the designation of 16 locations as 'Healthy Cities' under World Health Organization criteria.
Among these, Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the accreditation, marking a milestone in the ministry's 'Healthy Cities Program' and its efforts to enhance quality of life.
The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation.
A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance's Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom's strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care.
These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the 'A Vibrant Society' and 'A Thriving Economy' pillars to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement.
Together, the milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.
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Arab News
12 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia lifts global health standing with research milestones, WHO Healthy Cities
Saudi Arabia's national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through a series of significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition. The Ministry of Health highlighted the designation of 16 locations as 'Healthy Cities' under World Health Organization criteria. Among these, Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the accreditation, marking a milestone in the ministry's 'Healthy Cities Program' and its efforts to enhance quality of life. The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability. Saudi Arabia has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation. A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation. In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance's Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom's strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care. These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the 'A Vibrant Society' and 'A Thriving Economy' pillars to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement. Together, the milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.


Saudi Gazette
20 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
WHO designates Jeddah and Madinah among 16 'Healthy Cities'
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 16 cities as 'Healthy Cities' and two Saudi cities found a place among them, according to the Ministry of Health. Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of two million to receive the accreditation, marking a key milestone in the ministry's Healthy Cities Program and its ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life. The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders, through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability. The ministry noted that the national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through a series of significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition. The Kingdom has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation. A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the top 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation. In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance's Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom's strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care. These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 — particularly the 'A Vibrant Society' and 'A Thriving Economy' pillars, to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement. Together, these milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.


Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Thirteen dead, dozens injured in Kuwait alcohol poisoning linked to methanol
KUWAIT CITY — Thirteen Asian nationals have died in Kuwait since Saturday from alcohol poisoning caused by methanol-tainted drinks, the Ministry of Health announced Wednesday. The ministry said hospitals treated 63 people for alcohol poisoning over the same period, including 31 patients who required artificial respiration, 51 who underwent urgent dialysis, and 21 who suffered permanent blindness or severe visual impairment. Methanol is a highly toxic industrial alcohol used in chemical manufacturing and paints. The ministry warned that even small amounts can cause blindness or death and urged the public never to consume it. Alcohol imports have been banned in Kuwait since 1964, and consumption was criminalized in the 1980s. Authorities say this has led to a black market in illegal alcoholic beverages, which are often contaminated or produced in unsafe conditions. Officials urged residents to report suspected alcohol poisoning cases through hospitals or approved hotlines and confirmed that investigations are underway to identify the source of the contaminated drinks. Security agencies continue to monitor unlicensed distribution outlets. — Agencies