Saudi- Citizens sick of long wait in government hospitals

(MENAFN- Arab News) DAMMAM: Getting an appointment in government hospitals especially in large cities means a lot of time and effort leaving private hospitals as the only option for many patients. Otherwise they may be forced to wait for as long as six months or even a year to get an appointment in a government hospital.

Many citizens have complained about the long wait. Speaking of her experience Hanadi Fahd said: 'Because of the number of patients and long waiting periods that might be several months at government hospitals I was often forced to go to private hospitals especially when there was an urgent need for examination to get appropriate treatment.'
Dalal Sinani said that patients turned to private hospitals despite the expense when appointments in government hospitals were delayed. These delays often result in the deterioration in a patient's health especially for those who require surgery.
Majed Sami said that the increasing population had put a lot of pressure on government hospitals and that this needs quick solutions.
Wijdan Sahli who prefers private hospitals said that they were better than government ones due to quick appointments high-quality health care and attention and a healthy environment in addition to accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. She felt that the care and attention in private hospitals was worth the extra expense.
Jamilah Al-Ghamdi said that there were a number of positive and negative aspects of both government and private hospitals. 'Patients should go to government hospitals in cases that require rapid examination or surgical intervention. On the other hand private hospitals may be better because they have specialists and well-equipped facilities.'
Modi Al-Shammari associate professor in social studies said: 'The increasing number of patients is a result of rising birth rates and an increase in life expectancy. These contribute to the pressure on hospitals. There is an insufficient number of hospitals in the country as well as a lack of primary health care in many areas.'
She added that there was a shortage of medical staff which might push those who could afford the expense to go to private hospitals while the economically less fortunate face either a struggle with illness or general health deterioration.