The Health Affairs Department conducted an evacuation drill at Al-Mosa'diah Maternity and Children's Government Hospital here on Monday. The drill was suggested by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah, Minister of Health, and Prince Misha'al Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, to ensure safety at hospitals and their preparations in case of fire. A number of government and private sectors participated in the drills on emergency preparedness of health facilities in order to ensure the safety of hospital patients, staff and visitors. “We are scheduling periodic practice evacuations of government hospitals following directives from Prince Mish'al Bin Majed,” said Dr. Sami Badawood, Director of Jeddah Health Affairs Department. The participation of government departments in tests of emergency procedures is very important and can lead to saving of lives, he said. “Such drills play an important role in raising the awareness and ability of hospital workers to cope with emergency situations,” he said. “We are making all efforts to make the hospital staff aware of their responsibilities by training them in tasks, such as, evacuation and other emergency procedures in order to ensure the safety of hospital patients and visitors,” said Dr. Mohammed Bajebair, Director of Emergency and Safety Management at Jeddah Health Affairs Department.
