Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Gulf

March 29th, 10:55am

Riyadh- Saleh Al- Zayed

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi banks now have a stronger and more influential social responsibility in the Kingdom especially after 11 banks have announced supporting the Health Endowment Fund, confirming their important role in alleviating the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic. The global crisis sheds new light on Saudi banks, which announced the donation of approximately SR158.7 million to enhance public health in the country and counter COVID - 19. The banks' contribution to support the health sector in the face of the novel virus shows their initiative and sense of responsibility. In detail, the banks’ donations were distributed as follows: the National Commercial Bank came in first with a donation of SR33 million, followed by al-Rajhi Bank with SR25 million, the Riyadh Bank with SR17 million, Saudi Arabian British Bank put forward SR17 million, Samba Bank donated SR16.5 million, Arab National Bank SR12 million, Banque Saudi Fransi SR12 million, Saudi Investment Bank SR6.5 million, al-Jazira Bank with SR5.6 million, Bilad Bank SR5.6 million, and Gulf International Bank gave SR2 million. The Health Endowment Fund was established by the Ministry of Health in 2008 as the first specialized endowment fund in Saudi Arabia. It is chaired by the Minister of Health and it aims to contribute effectively to health development, cater to needs of patients, and finance preventive programs and health research.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2205641/saudi-banks-increase-contribution-health-fund-amid-virus-crisis