The Saudi Arabian government is planning to construct two hi-tech medical cities in Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide specialised health services.

The medical cities will be equipped with advanced facilities and specialist doctors.

“There is a plan to establish a network of hospitals under the Ministry of Interior as part of efforts to provide integrated medical services,” said Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif. “The two medical cities in Riyadh and Jeddah have been planned to provide specialised health services to the ministry’s staff and security officers.”

In a related development, an 800-bed hospital will be established at Taibah University in Madinah. Higher Education Minister Khaled Al Anqari has signed a contract to implement the hospital project.

Spread over an area of 46,600 sq m, the hospital will initially contain 400 beds which will be increased to 800 in the second phase. The eight-storey hospital will have various clinics in addition to nursing and educational facilities, operation rooms and laboratories.

It will have a capacity to treat 800 patients, and accommodate 2,850 visitors. The medical college will be located at the centre of the campus, on King Abdul Aziz Road.