His Excellency King Khalid University President, Prof. Falleh bin Rajallah Al Solami, issued a decision to establish a High Altitude medicine Unit, at King Khalid University, that associates with the Deanship of Scientific Research.

The Dean of the College of Medicine, Prof. Suleiman bin Muhammad Al-Hamid and the faculty of the College of medicine, thanked His Excellency the President of the University for issuing this decision, which was proposed by the College of Medicine, and driven from their belief in the critical role of the unit and its importance in exploring issues such as the impact of living in high altitudes on the respiratory system and other vital organs in the human body, in addition to the overall health of the populations in these areas.

Al-Hamid, explained that Asir region is home to the highest altitude in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and through this unit the university will work towards increasing research studies related to the region’s climate and most prominent health issues. Adding that the unit, will also widen the opportunity of research cooperation with international expertise and research centers, in a manner that will positively influence the health and well being of the people living in the region.

As for the organizational structure, the unit will include a research laboratory, specifically designed for the unit tasks and activities, in addition to a field work department with an equipped team of faculty members and researchers, supported by high quality equipment to achieve appropriate outcomes.