ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani coronavirus patient, who recently recovered from the infectious respiratory illness in Saudi Arabia, thanked King Salman for ensuring free medical treatment for everyone suffering from the contagion in the Kingdom.

“I consider myself fortunate to be alive. I am thankful to King Salman since his decision made it possible for me to get excellent medical treatment at the King Faisal Hospital in Taif without spending anything,” Muhammad Shoaib told Arab News on Tuesday.

“I went to Riyadh for work 10 days ago and got sick while traveling back to Taif. I was taken to the King Faisal Hospital where I tested positive for COVID-19,” he said through a video statement from Taif, adding that he had fully recovered from the infection due to excellent care he received at the hospital.

Saudi Arabia on March 30, announced free treatment for all COVID-19 patients, irrespective of their nationality and legal status, in both public and private health care facilities in the Kingdom. The virus has killed more than 35 people in the Kingdom while more than 2,600 cases have been registered so far.

“There are five confirmed Pakistani cases of coronavirus in the Kingdom, and they are all getting medical attention at different hospitals. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities in our diaspora community so far,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Raja Ali Ejaz told Arab News via telephone on Tuesday.

He added that the mission was in contact with various Saudi ministries to get the latest updates from them about the Pakistani community.

The envoy expressed satisfaction on the timely measures taken by the Saudi authorities to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

“I would especially like to thank King Salman for his keen interest in providing free treatment to all expatriates, including Pakistanis, who are affected by this virus,” he said.

Ejaz added that Pakistan’s embassy and consulate were doing their best to remain in touch with the Pakistani community through social media, website and dedicated helplines.

“We are trying to benefit from different electronic means since physical movement is restricted due to the imposition of curfew in all major cities.”

On the issue of stranded Pakistanis, he said that the country’s diplomatic mission was trying to send about 300 Umrah pilgrims to their country, adding that the embassy was also trying to address the issue of about 700 Pakistani workers who were not in the Kingdom when its authorities decided to suspend international flights.

“The embassy is cognizant of the problems faced by Pakistanis employed in private companies. We are in constant contact with the Saudi state institutions and private companies for the resolution of the issue,” Ejaz said.