MAKKAH: A report submitted to Health Affairs by engineering firms has declared Makkah's Women and Children's Hospital structurally sound, although the facility is still said to not meet certain fire and safety requirements. The report was commissioned by Health Affairs after the Civil Defense observed cracking in walls of the building, with safety officials saying that cracks were being “painted over”. They also noted failures to comply with certain safety standards. Jameel Arbaeen, head of Civil Defense in Makkah, said that surveyors of government premises had noted issues at the building three months ago and requested that it be vacated. “The building, however, has now been declared safe by engineers,” he said. “We are still asking that the fire and safety concerns be addressed, which includes fire escapes, and the ministry has been informed of all this.”
