QASSIM - Crown Prince Sultan, minister of defense and aviation, attended yesterday the opening function of the 200-bed Al-Rass General Hospital built at a cost of SR202 million and laid the foundation for a number of health projects in the region. Qassim Governor Prince Faisal ibn Bandar received Prince Sultan upon his arrival.
The crown prince laid the foundation of the Buraidah Hospital Tower, Al-Nabhania Hospital and Dr. Suleiman Al-Habib Hospital in Qassim region.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie said the 400-bed Buraidah Hospital Tower would be constructed at a cost of SR99 million and the 200-bed mental illness and rehab center in Buraidah will cost SR96 million.
The 50-bed Al-Nabhania Hospital is being built at a cost of SR20 million and the 100-bed Dr. Suleiman Habib Hospital at a cost of SR163 million, he added.
On Wednesday, Crown Prince Sultan called for the establishment of an international center for studies and research of camels. He made the call while opening an international scientific conference on camels at Qassim University.
"I hope the results of your research will serve as a nucleus for an international information center on the camel," Sultan told the scientists and researchers taking part in the conference.
He urged specialized Saudi companies and universities to support the center and make use of its research works.
The crown prince also spoke about the educational renaissance brought about by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah by opening new universities in different parts of the country and supporting research centers.
"You know the significance of camels in the life of Arabs as well as other nations. God Almighty has urged Muslims to think about this great creature and the secrets of its creation," Sultan said and urged the participants of the conference to make use of their research for the benefit of humanity.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prince Sultan laid the foundation for the College of Science, the second phase of the university campus, the main service complex, and the first phase of sports facilities. The four projects are estimated to cost SR370 million.
Khaled Al-Hamoudi, the university's president, commended the government's support for the university's education and research programs. He disclosed plans to establish health colleges and a hospital under the university.
According to Abdul Rahman Al-Humaid, dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary, some 300 experts from 24 countries are taking part in the conference. They will discuss different aspects such as breeding and rearing of camels, economic benefits, and common diseases and their remedies.
Prince Sultan later distributed souvenirs to sponsors of the conference. He also toured the university and inspected its modern academic facilities.
The crown prince arrived in Qassim on Tuesday on an inspection tour of the region.
© Arab News 2006
