MAKKAH: The Ajyad General Hospital conforms fully to international health standards and has been certified by a team from the International General Council for Health Affairs. Dr. Khalid Obaid Zafar, Director General of Health Affairs in Makkah Region, said the team from the organization based in the United States, first visited the hospital last September and suggested some improvements which were later carried out by the facility. The team visited the hospital again last month and after two days of thorough inspections certified that it conforms to international standards. The hospital, Zafar said, is the first one under the Saudi Ministry of Health to get this certification for its modern medical equipment and treatment provision. The US body also praised Hera General Hospital for maintaining international standards in medical care. The International General Council for Health Affairs in the United States was established in 1994. It operates in 80 countries and provides modern medical technology and advisory services. It also certifies health facilities in terms of international standards and practices. Zafar said Ajyad Hospital is the very first hospital in the holy city. Since its establishment in 1867, it continues to serve the local population and Haj and Umrah pilgrims. Owing to the ongoing massive expansion projects in and around the Grand Mosque, the hospital has been temporarily shifted to As-Safawa Tower on an area of 3,000 square meters. The hospital will soon move to a new building under construction in the Ajyad area.
