Their Excellencies, the Minister of Education Dr. Azzam Al-Dakhil and the Minister of Health Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, have signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation focusing on various strategic themes to activate the common goals between the two ministries to serve the Saudi community in the health sector, in accordance with the highest international standards.
Meanwhile, the memorandum included activating the common training and development with a view to taking the utmost advantage of the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals, specialized health centers, medical cities and primary healthcare centers to serve the purpose of training, post-graduate programs, continued medical education programs, fellowship specializations, in addition to encouraging building of scientific and research partnerships between the two ministries.
Additionally, it included making use of the faculty members at the faculties of medicine and other medical sciences in providing medical and health services in a full or part time manner at the different facilities of health affaires directorates in the regions and provinces including provision of health services in the medical sections and specializations.
Furthermore, the memorandum included aspects of cooperation between the hospitals of the Ministry of Health and faculties of medicine and other health faculties in conducting scientific and clinical researches, joint studies, exchange of information as well as the contribution of the universities to activating the goal of MOH in focusing on the preventive sides, boosting health and building an integrated system and long term strategy for the preventive sides, health awareness and early detection of diseases through the participation of the universities, represented by the health faculties, in the fields of pre-treatment prevention, as well as health awareness and education programs in the community as well as organizing symposiums and workshops for the human cadres in the Ministry of Health.
Within the same vein, Dr. Al-Dakhil said that signing of this memo comes as part of his ministry's work to directly communicate with the relevant government institutions and bodies in a manner which achieves effective integration of roles, considering this deal as one of the fruits of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, which plays a vital and central role in boosting the wheel of development in our country as a common noble goal for all sectors. He hoped the outcome of this agreement to meet the aspirations of the first leader of development the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Naif, and His Royal Highness the Deputy Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman, May Allah protect them, who are working to make this beloved country occupy an advanced position among nations.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Al-Dakhil said that the memo signed today lays a basis for a positive, continued and joint cooperation environment and builds an institutional and integrated relationship, in addition to preparing a long term perception for the developmental path in the field of developing human capital, as well as increasing efficiency and quality of performance on both sides.
On his part, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih expressed his happiness for having such a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, which embodies joining of efforts of government sectors to meet aspirations of the rulers, may Allah protect them, and serve sons of this beloved country in all aspects of life. He noted that this memo will contribute -Allah willing- to supporting the process of health work, the matter which in turn will have a positive impact on developing health services and making the best use of all available human and physical resources.
In addition, Eng. Khalid stressed the keenness of his ministry to develop its health facilities, improve capacities of its staff, and qualify them in a manner that copes with the recent developments in the health sector. In conclusion, he lauded the Ministry of Education initiative for giving the opportunity for the Ministry of Health to benefit from the teaching staff in the Saudi universities.