A committee of representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Health and Social Affairs is working on mechanisms to deal with the issue of homeless people in Makkah region. The plan is to assess each individual’s situation in order to provide necessary services and treatment.

“The first step is to transfer the individual by means of security patrols to mental hospitals where the individual will be evaluated and receive treatment if needed or transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs to arrange housing,” said Dr. Nawaf Al-Harthi, director of one of the hospitals in Jeddah.

Services include medical care, security protection and social rehabilitation, he said.

“Individuals living in the streets are classified as mental health patients who have a behavioral disorder due to failed emotional relationships, substance abuse, or other causes. The problem with some is that they lack housing or have substance abuse problems,” explained Al-Harthi. “If they are sick, they will be given necessary treatment, and if they are homeless, they will be helped by the Ministry of Social Affairs.”

He said the province of Jeddah had adopted a mechanism to provide employment between the social protection and shelter sectors.

“Upon being transferred to the mental hospital, the individual will be diagnosed and necessary treatment will be provided,” said Al-Harthi. “The possibility of transferring the patient to one of the Ministry of Interior’s accommodation and housing centers will be looked at, and if found necessary, the patient will be transferred immediately. If, however, further treatment is needed, the patient will remain in hospital.”

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, spokesman for the Directorate of Health Affairs in Jeddah, said: “There is cooperation by the concerned authorities to protect and care for displaced patients in the street, and to deal with those who have no shelter or income. The Health Directorate is coordinating with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the security authorities to provide necessary protection and care as well as to accommodate homeless people in shelters as needed.”

Related articles across the web

• City rejects homeless respite care center
• Crime ties are relative in youth offenders' substance abuse
• More adults are using marijuana, survey finds
• Are physicians really to blame for the opioid addiction epidemic?
• Clinic offers anonymity for those seeking help with substance abuse
• Treatment center, employee sued over rape allegations
• Substance abuse recovery odds increase in a community setting
• Should dentists ask patients about drug use?
• NHS rolls out OpenText Analytics for prisoner patients
• Medication treatment for opioid use disorders in primary care increases patient access