RIYADH, 15 September 2007 -- The Ministry of Health will launch the "Hello Ramadan Health" program today to assist fasting people in obtaining health updates from their homes and offices via phone or fax.
"This is the third consecutive year that we are carrying out this program, which is popular among citizens and residents," said Dr. Amal Moawiya Abu Al-Jedaie, supervisor general of the Health Awareness Information Center at the Ministry of Health.
The ministry will deploy a team of specialized doctors to answer queries on health issues related to Ramadan. The panel will comprise doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists and trained health personnel, Moawiya said. People can phone 800 2494444 or fax their questions to 2915145 ext. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"This year, the program will focus on healthy food during Ramadan and we have deployed dieticians to advise the callers in their preparation and consumption of foods during the holy month," Dr. Moawiya said. A panel, comprising Reema Saman, Dr. Yusuf Al-Omi and Dr. Sarah Al-Yusuf will offer advice on healthy food. A group of family doctors will also be present on certain days of the month.
"Last year, the call center was inundated with inquiries from all parts of the Kingdom," she said, adding that 80 percent of the callers were women.
She added that Saudi women made use of this opportunity to get their health questions answered through this program since they believe in strict privacy.
Amal pointed out that the ministry arranged for women to answer queries so that callers could speak freely about their problems.
"Another interesting part in this program is that the caller could spend more time with the doctor behind the screen to clarify all doubts," she said.
Answering a question, Moawiya sick people performing Umrah during the holy month should strictly follow the medical advice given by their doctors.
By Mohammed Rasooldeen
© Arab News 2007
