Mane noted that Saudi Arabia has been observing this international day annually at the level of the health directorates throughout the Kingdom with the participation of the hospitals and health centers in coordination with the official authorities and the concerned organizations of the civil society. Dr al-Mane said the observation of this day will provide a good opportunity to enlighten the citizens with the causes and symptoms of the disease as will as its diagnosis and treatment in addition to the precautionary measures against it. Dr al-Mane noted that the Kingdom has been adhering to the national program for combating tuberculosis since 1989 in line with the directives of the WHO, and adopted the strategy of a short-term treatment under the direct supervision in 1998. He pointed out that the Health Ministry has made available free treatment for Saudi and non-Saudi patients suffering from tuberculosis in line with the Royal directives in this respect.
