MAKKAH: The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs has prepared five clinics and a medical center for heat exhaustion and sunstroke at Mina and Arafat to serve pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season.
The Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday that the ministry had concluded its preparations and made available 250 employees and health practitioners, including 50 doctors specialized in intensive care, cardiology, emergency, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, family and community medicine, and fighting infections.
Dr. Jabr Al-Subaie, the chief operating officer in the health affairs section of the ministry in the Western Region, said that five clinics had been set up for men and women suffering with respiratory diseases, along with 26 inpatient beds, ICU beds, and isolation rooms.
He added that a room for minor operations, a dental clinic, a pharmacy and a laboratory will also be made available, along with radiology services.
The health affairs section is also present for a second year in Arafat, with a heat exhaustion and sunstroke center boasting 20 beds with the latest equipment.
The center has an air and water spray distribution system. There are also clinics for men and women and an outpatient pharmacy.
Dr. Majid Al-Thaqafi, the medical supervisor at the field hospital in Mina, said all rescue teams were equipped with the latest emergency and support equipment at the Jamarat sites at Mina and Jabal Al-Rahma (Mount Arafat).
Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs prepares 5 clinics, center for heat exhaustion at Hajj sites
https://arab.news/rswyk
Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs prepares 5 clinics, center for heat exhaustion at Hajj sites
- Some 250 employees and health practitioners made available, including 50 doctors specialized in different fields
- Facilities include 26 inpatient beds, ICU beds, isolation rooms
Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam
Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.
I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.
“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.
It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.
“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”
Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.
I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.
The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.
Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.
The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.
The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.
Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.
Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.
My freezer is now packed with loaves.
At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.
Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.
Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.
• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.
