Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Saudi government will provide COVID-19 vaccines from various sources in large quantities in the coming short period, Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said on Wednesday (Feb. 3), Saudi Gazette reported.

He added that the kingdom is one of the first countries in the world that started administering vaccines as early as on December 17, 2020.

In a speech delivered remotely at the 20th Scientific Forum for Hajj and Umrah Research, Al-Rabiah stated that during the past four weeks, the ministry had noticed an increase in the epidemiological curve of coronavirus infections in the kingdom.

“The Ministry of Health is working at present to flatten the epidemiological curve, and is also working seriously with various agencies to implement the precautionary measures in a larger way after noticing some laxity on the part of the public,” he said.

The minister indicated the large size of health facilities, as Saudi Arabia has made 60 percent increase in the number of beds in the intensive care units, reaching 13,000 beds.

“Today, there are more than 230 Tetamman clinics available across the kingdom to make coronavirus tests, in addition to the extensive examination procedures,” he added.

The scientific forum aims to present the results of research and scientific studies related to the elements of improving the experience of pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah, in addition to shedding light on the best practices in crowd management, while creating effective communication channels between the concerned parties and sectors related to serving the pilgrims.

Reporting by Indonesia Window