The new public budget of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2001 is characterized by balanced revenues and expenditure levels valued 215 billion Saudi riyals. According to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat daily the new budget included the allocation of SR 21.9 billion to health services and social development. This figure translates into a 10 percent rise.
The Saudi Health Minister, Usama Shabkashi, asserted that, next year, 30 new state hospitals will be built in various remote regions throughout the kingdom.
The per hospital capacity is presently assessed at 50 beds. Following the construction of these new hospitals, the overall capacity of the local hospitals will grow by an additional 1,500 beds. ¯ (Albawaba-MEBG)
