Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — The Saudi Arabian National Guard has contracted the West to develop a modern health care system.

Executives said SANG was working with U.S. contractors to develop and administer hospitals and clinics.

The executives said SANG, transformed into a full-fledged military, was using the United States as a model for health care.

On May 6, the California company, Jacobs Engineering Group, reported a contract for program management services for SANG. Jacobs was awarded the contract by the Saudi firm, Nesma & Partners.

“With these projects underway, we are committed to continuing to make significant contributions toward increasing and improving healthcare services throughout the region,” Jacobs vice president Bassim Shebaro said.

SANG, under the direct command of King Abdullah, has sought to enhance medical and other services to its more than 100,000 personnel. Under the three-year contract, Jacbos and Nesma would manage five SANG hospitals in four Saudi cities.

The SANG project was also meant to train Saudi nationals to operate the
health care system. Executives said Jacobs was selected on the strength of
its project in the United Arab Emirates.

“We see tremendous opportunities to leverage our construction experience
in buildings and infrastructure projects with Jacobs’ PMC capabilities in
the region, and are pleased to support this new partnership,” Nesma chief
executive officer Imad Gholmieh said.

  Jacobs Engineering Group, King Abdullah, Nesma & Partners, Saudi national guard contracts with U.S. firm to modernize health care