BAHA: Tribal chiefs and prominent people in Al-Qura Governorate, located in Al-Baha Region, have submitted a complaint to Prince Mishary Bin Saud, Emir of the region, about the stalled construction of Al-Qura Hospital, which started four years ago. In their complaint, they said the excuse they have been given is that there is a lack of financial allocations. The Governorate's residents demanded that Prince Mishary intervene so work resumes on the hospital, which has an estimated cost of SR25 million. The 50-bed hospital would serve 100,000 people in about 120 villages scattered throughout Al-Qura Governorate. The residents stressed that there is no hospital in the area, which has administrative borders with Taif Governorate. Faisal Al-Shahrani said injured accident victims are transferred from Nakhaal Center to Al-Baha – a distance of 80 kilometers – and some of them die on the way or suffer complications. Majed Ali Al-Shatti, media spokesman for Al-Baha Health Administration, said two-thirds of the project is complete, but obstacles to its completion include the area's rugged terrain. He confirmed that the project would include construction of a basement, water-treatment plant and waste water plant, along with upgrading electricity generators. Residents asked about the official plans for the project and how it allowed construction on unsuitable land. Omar Al-Zahrani expressed astonishment at the apparent plan to construct a hospital without a courtyard, parking lots or services.
