RIYADH, Oct 9( Arab News): Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah announced the launch of specialized treatment facilities in Malaysia and Singapore for Saudis in a move aimed at providing top quality medical and clinical services for citizens.

Al-Rabeeah described the two agreements "as a quality shift that would simplify the treatment of Saudis abroad until their return home in a totally professional and scientific manner under the framework of an integrated program."

He made the statement following the signing of two agreements with the US-owned HCA Hospitals and Parkway Ltd in Singapore.

Al-Rabeeah said the move would also reduce the cost of treatment abroad by 40 percent in some cases.

He said the two agreements involved an exchange of doctors and nurses, bringing them to the Kingdom under a doctors' visiting program, particularly to hospitals in remote areas.

"It will also improve the ministry's recently launched home care service, single-day surgeries and health administration," the minister said.

Director General of Medical Organizations and Health Offices Abroad Dr. Khaled Al-Hussein said the ministry has adopted a new strategy of sending patients to hospitals of an international standing.

He said in Britain the HCA owns six hospitals and a number of centers for marrow and organ transplants, stem cell treatments, and treatment and surgery for tumors, in addition to patient assistance such as logistic and translation services.

The Parkway Ltd. is a group of 13 hospitals in Singapore and Asian countries providing health services of a high standard.