Saudi Arabia becomes first in region to earn WHO’s Type 2 emergency medical team verification
KSA reinforces its position as a leader in global emergency response and humanitarian aid
News Desk
The News Desk provides timely and factual coverage of national and international events, with an emphasis on accuracy and clarity.
FILE: Educational and awareness event in Saudi Arabia to mark World First Aid Day
Image courtesy: Saudi Press Agency
The World Health Organization has classified Saudi Arabia’s Disaster Medical Assistance Team (S-DMAT) as a Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT), making it the first in West and Central Asia to receive the designation, according to the Saudi Gazette.
The announcement was made at a ceremony in Riyadh, attended by WHO officials, Saudi health leaders, and media representatives.
With this verification, S-DMAT joins an exclusive group of 14 Type 2 EMTs worldwide, alongside teams from France, the UK, China, and Japan.
Global recognition for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel said the WHO verification confirms the Kingdom’s ability to meet global standards for emergency medical response.
Dr. Jameel Abualenain, general supervisor of Emergency, Disasters, and Medical Transportation said S-DMAT’s mobile hospital and surgical capabilities enhance its role in international crisis response.
He also noted Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, which enables rapid medical deployment across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
S-DMAT’s capabilities
As a WHO-verified Type 2 EMT, S-DMAT operates a 50-bed field hospital capable of:
- Treating 100 outpatients and 20 inpatients per day
- Performing seven major or 15 minor surgeries daily
- Providing health system support and crisis management
The unit is self-sufficient, with independent power, water, and medical supplies, allowing it to function in disaster-affected areas without external assistance.
Expanding Saudi Arabia’s emergency medical workforce
The National Healthcare Emergency Operations Center (NHEOC) oversees S-DMAT’s training and recruitment and ensures compliance with WHO emergency protocols.
Healthcare professionals across Saudi Arabia interested in joining S-DMAT can apply through NHEOC as the Kingdom expands its medical response capacity.
With WHO certification, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a leader in global emergency response and humanitarian aid.
Comments
See what people are discussing