ABHA — Asir Emir Prince Faisal Bin Khaled launched and laid the foundation stones for several health projects in the region worth almost SR1.36 billion in the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah. Prince Faisal expressed thanks to Al-Rabeeah for following up the progress of projects in the region and the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Health at all levels. He expressed hope that the projects would be completed before the deadlines and that further such initiatives would follow. Prince Faisal stressed the necessity for collective efforts in the interest of citizens in the region, especially for health projects. In his speech, Al-Rabeeah said the Kingdom has occupied a leading position at regional and international levels and has become an example to be followed in fast growth and development. He said the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has mobilized the state's potential to serve the Kingdom's people. They all watched a documentary on the efforts being exerted in the health sector in Asir and the services being provided to citizens and expatriates. Prince Faisal launched the health projects in the region that include a 200-bed maternity and children's hospital in Abha worth SR225.5 million and a SR240 million, 200-bed maternity and children's hospital in Khamis Mushayt. He also laid the foundation stone for several other projects, including the 200-bed Rijal Almaa Hospital worth SR212 million; a 200-bed Dhahran Al-Janoub Hospital worth SR225 million; the regional laboratory and blood bank worth SR36.5 million; a comprehensive rehabilitation center at Asir Hospital that cost SR19.3 million; construction of 68 primary health care centers at a total cost of SR244.1 million; medical supply warehouses worth SR48.6 million; accommodation for employees of the maternity and children's hospital in Abha that cost SR50.7 million; and construction of parking lots, buildings and generators for Asir Central Hospital at a cost of SR34.34 million.