News

Sponsored by HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Asir, King Khalid University is very pleased to announce its seventh annual sponsorship of the Health Education and Awareness program in the Bariq province. The purpose of the program is to promote the good health and well-being of our citizens through healthcare education and awareness. As a major medical and healthcare educational institution in the region, the university is well suited for providing these services to the surrounding communities. The program runs from the 7^th of Jumādā Al-Ūlā the 2^nd of Jumādá Al-Ākhirah.

University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, explained that the program presenters are a a group of highly qualified university faculty and staff, who are graciously dedicating their time and expertise to this cause. He further explained that this annual health program supports the university's objective of supporting public welfare goals and providing valuable services to individuals in and around the region. Of note, the program will include an extensive week of medical services and awareness activities from the 5^th to the 9^th of Jumādá Al-Ākhirah. The Rector said 'partnering with government agencies and private institutions to enhance public well-being has been and will continue to be an important role for King Khalid University'.

The program includes a wide variety of seminars and related events. The university, in conjunction with a number of government health care institutions, will host a number of training courses and health exhibitions. There are medical and dental services provided to the public via mobile clinics. The mobile pharmacy is distributing medicaments and healthcare products to those in need. The mobile clinics have the support of the appropriate laboratory and radiological facilities as required. A number of volunteers from the Medical City are participating by offering consultation services at the health centers. A great number of public health displays, literary exhibitions, and poetry readings are also included throughout the program.

Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Deputy General Supervisor of the Program, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, said that the program will utilize the skills of many university professionals including representatives of:

• The Faculty of Dentistry;
• The College of Medicine;
• The Deanship of Admissions and Registration;
• The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences;
• The Faculty of Languages & Translation;
• The College of Nursing;
• The Deanship of Community Service;
• Medical City.

Vice Rector Al-Shahrani expressed his deep appreciation for all of their efforts in supporting this important program.

Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel said that the program aims to raise awareness of health issues and help prioritize healthcare efforts. He noted that partnering with community stakeholders and providers is an important means of improving the health of the citizenry. Raising awareness and a focus on health is of great benefit to the community and to the Kingdom. He further noted that another primary objective is helping those in distress or need with acute healthcare issues.

The Deanship of Academic Quality focused on the cultural aspects of health by conducting two training programs. The first program, titled 'Managing Priorities for the Administrative and Educational Leadership in the Province', were presented by the Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hajri, in conjunction with Governor of Bariq and heads of centers and a number of administrative, educational and security leaders in the region. The training session focused on healthcare prioritization and delivery systems management models and best practices.

The second training program, titled 'Total Quality Management in Education', was presented by Vice Dean for Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Said Saad Hadi. The purpose of this course was to show the many participants how the concept of quality management and assurance applies to general educational endeavors, including medical science and healthcare. Dr. Hadi also reviewed the Ministry of Education's ongoing efforts to establish and operate a general total quality management (TQM) agency within its agency. He explained that this quality initiative is an important part of the Kingdom's overall development plan and Vision 2030.

The university is proud to continue the successes this healthcare program has achieved over the past six years. Program milestones can be summarized as follows:

• Phase 1 – 18,563 individuals served;
• Phase 2 – Outreach extended to Tathleeth treating 15,239;
• Phase 3 – 26,292 individuals served;
• Phase 4 – 57,646 individuals served;
• Phase 5 – 37,678 individuals served.

Of note, ancillary programs that ran concurrently with each phase have benefitted an additional 36,500 individuals. The university looks forward to many years of future service for the benefit of the public and the Kingdom.