An employee health service in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Health services for employees of this 500-bed tertiary care hospital include programs normally available to employees at hospitals in the United States. These programs include primary care, health promotion, health surveillance, and pre-employment health screening. The most pervasive influence on the health care provided is Islam. Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country and all health care activities must be accomplished within the religious and cultural norms of the country. Communicable diseases endemic to this part of the world are of special concern in employee health. Special programs are in place for the prevention and control of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, brucellosis, ophthalmic chlamydia, malaria, and meningococcal disease.