Al‑Shumaisi Hospital… A Landmark Witness to the History of Saudi Healthcare Services – Established by King Saud in Riyadh 60 Years Ago
Riyadh – Badr Al‑Khuraif
Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al‑Mufarrih’s book on King Saud Hospital, founded by the second King of Saudi Arabia more than 64 years ago, is not merely a chronicle of this major medical institution in the Saudi capital. Rather, it serves as a record of the history of healthcare services in the Kingdom, tracing the difficult beginnings that accompanied the launch of these essential services in the modern state established by King Abdulaziz. This came only a few years after the unification of the country, during a period marked by severe political, social, economic, and health challenges. His sons continued steering the nation toward development across all fields over the decades that followed.
Al‑Mufarrih summarized the history of this hospital—known by several names since its establishment—in the introduction and dedication of his book, titled “King Saud Hospital (Al‑Shumaisi Hospital): An Invitation to Visit History.” Published this year by Al‑Thuluthiyyah Publishing House, the book is the result of years of effort documenting what could be gathered about this medical landmark.
He dedicated his study to the unifier and founder of the nation, King Abdulaziz; to the hospital’s founder, King Saud; to Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, who oversaw its construction when he was Governor of Riyadh; and to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who supported and developed this institution from his years as Governor of Riyadh until it became a modern medical center comparable to the world’s most advanced institutions—standing as a living testament to the rapid transformation the country has witnessed in all fields.
Foundation and Evolution
In 1952, King Saud—then Crown Prince—issued an order to establish a hospital in Riyadh with a capacity of 400 beds, after donating the land on which it would be built. The hospital was inaugurated in 1956 under his patronage after he became King, and it bore his name.
Throughout its long history, the hospital carried several names:
- King Saud First Hospital
- King Saud Hospital
- Riyadh Central Hospital
Eventually, after its expansion into a full medical city, it became known as King Saud Medical City. Locally, however, it has long been popularly known as “Al‑Shumaisi Hospital,” after the district in which it is located—a name still widely used today.
The hospital was built on an area of 75,000 square meters, consisting of five floors, 400 beds, and 124 rooms. Over six decades, it underwent extensive development and modernization, benefiting from the large space available at its inception. Towers, departments, clinics, and a world‑class laboratory—the largest and most advanced in the region—were added, transforming it into a major medical city providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Riyadh and beyond.
Early Public Health Challenges
Dr. Al‑Mufarrih reveals early efforts to combat infectious diseases that were widespread in the region. He notes that tents were erected in the southern courtyard of the hospital to isolate patients with various contagious diseases, most notably smallpox, which was eradicated after mandatory vaccination was introduced more than 60 years ago.
He also recounts that at its opening, the hospital owned three ambulances to respond to emergency calls within Riyadh and sometimes beyond, often for urgent childbirth cases. Only one ambulance remained at the hospital for internal emergencies. The emergency room and clinics were constantly overcrowded, with only:
- one on‑call physician for internal emergencies,
- one for external emergencies,
- a midwife,
- and a nurse for home emergencies.
In many cases, specialists would visit homes and palaces to examine and treat patients—making the hospital a pioneer in home medical services, even if far from the modern concept of home healthcare.
Medical Practices and Patient Perceptions
Dr. Al‑Mufarrih highlights patients’ attitudes toward treatment at the time. Many did not trust pills, syrups, or ointments, leading physicians to overprescribe penicillin injections, as patients insisted on them. This caused severe allergic reactions and numerous fatalities, prompting restrictions on its use.
Some patients believed that only injections—especially those that produced a burning sensation, such as calcium injections—constituted “real treatment.”
About the Author
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al‑Mufarrih served as General Director of the hospital 37 years ago, and as a consultant and head of the gastroenterology department. He contributed to transforming the hospital into a teaching institution for health specialties before dedicating himself to his private medical practice. He has published peer‑reviewed scientific research locally and internationally and is a member of numerous medical associations, committees, and scientific councils.