MARIB: In the heart of Yemen’s Marib Governorate, the Specialized Hospital for Ophthalmology, fully funded by Saudi Arabia and providing its services free of charge, has become a beacon of hope for thousands of Yemenis seeking an opportunity to restore or protect their vision.
Since opening in late 2019 with full funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the hospital has provided more than 516,000 diverse medical services free of charge, making it one of the most prominent specialized humanitarian initiatives in Yemen’s healthcare sector. The treatment journey begins with examination and diagnosis, and ends with the provision of medication, prescription glasses, or surgical intervention, all at no cost to the patient.
Behind these figures lie countless personal stories: Patients who traveled hundreds of kilometers, some of whom had lost the ability to work due to impaired vision, while others faced the threat of complete blindness before finding free treatment at the hospital, from the initial medical examination through to their departure after receiving treatment or undergoing surgery.
Ahmed Al-Omari, the hospital’s director, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the project represents one of the most significant humanitarian interventions carried out by KSrelief in Yemen’s healthcare sector. He added that all services are provided free of charge, from the moment a patient enters the hospital until the completion of their treatment.
