The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Dental Association, Dr. Ziad Al-Lahim, affirmed that Saudi dental professionals are among the best in the world, praising the advanced level achieved by the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These statements highlight the qualitative leap the Kingdom has witnessed in training its human resources, making Saudi dentists strong competitors to their counterparts in developed countries.

The fruits of decades of government investment and scholarships

Dr. Al-Lahim explained that this excellence did not come about by chance, but is the result of a long-term government strategy, in which the Kingdom's government spared no expense in training and qualifying doctors. He pointed out that the overseas scholarship programs, which have continued for the past 35 years, have played a pivotal role in this achievement, with thousands of dentists being sent to the world's most prestigious universities and medical centers. These students have returned home with extensive scientific knowledge and precise practical experience, contributing to the transfer and localization of the latest medical technologies in the field of dentistry.

A robust academic infrastructure and world-class training staff

In his interview with "Akhbar24," Dr. Al-Lahim highlighted the significant expansion of the educational infrastructure, noting the existence of at least 25 dental colleges distributed across the Kingdom. These colleges are distinguished by their highly qualified teaching staff, who received their training in leading medical countries such as the United States, Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Upon their return, these graduates immediately began training future generations of dentists, thus ensuring the sustainability of educational and professional quality.

The Saudi Board: Global competition and rigorous standards

Regarding specialized professional training programs, the Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Dental Association affirmed that the Saudi Board programs in dental specialties have reached a level of maturity and strength comparable only to American programs. He explained that the Saudi Board receives and accepts a large number of trainees according to rigorous standards that ensure the graduation of consultants and specialists of the highest caliber.

Al-Lahim attributed the relative progress of the United States in this field solely to the historical “seniority” of American programs compared to their Saudi counterparts, while emphasizing that the Saudi doctor today is not only distinguished at the regional level, but has become a distinctive and unique figure at the global level.

The impact of development on the health sector and the goals of the vision

This remarkable development in the dental sector aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Health Sector Transformation Program, which focuses on improving healthcare services and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare practitioners. The presence of world-class Saudi talent strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medical care, reduces the need for treatment abroad, and opens up opportunities for the future of medical tourism in specialized dental fields.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced today (Sunday) the execution of a perpetrator in the Makkah region, after he was found guilty of smuggling cocaine into the Kingdom, as part of the state’s ongoing and decisive security efforts to combat the scourge of drugs and protect society from its grave dangers.

Details of the crime and the legal ruling

According to the official statement issued by the Ministry, Hassan Jibril Abkar Mohammed, a Sudanese resident, attempted to smuggle a quantity of cocaine into the Kingdom. Thanks to God, and then to vigilance and close monitoring of border crossings, the competent security authorities were able to apprehend the aforementioned perpetrator.

Following his arrest, he was investigated and charged with the crime, and his case was referred to the competent court. After reviewing the case and completing all legal procedures, a legal ruling was issued confirming the charges against him and sentencing him to death by way of discretionary punishment. This ruling became final after being upheld by the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court, and a royal decree was issued to carry out the legally mandated punishment.

The war on drugs: a firm security and judicial context

This execution comes within the context of the comprehensive security campaign launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against drug traffickers and smugglers, known as the "War on Drugs." The Kingdom takes a firm and uncompromising stance against anyone who attempts to target the nation's security and its youth with these poisons, as drug smuggling is considered a major crime warranting arrest and directly impacting national security.

Judicial rulings in such cases are based on Islamic law, which came to preserve the five necessities, including reason and life. Spreading narcotic poisons on earth is considered a crime that warrants the harshest punishments to deter anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of society.

Protecting society and youth from devastating effects

The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain security and achieve justice, and to protect citizens and residents from the harms of drugs, which cause the loss of innocent lives, serious corruption in the youth, the individual and society, as well as the disruption of human potential and the violation of rights.

The ministry stressed that legal punishment will be the fate of anyone who smuggles or promotes these toxic substances, while warning anyone who tries to exploit the Kingdom’s territory to carry out these crimes that the security services are watching them closely.