King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, escorted by Prince Mit’eb Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and Commander of the National Guard, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah, Minister of Health, returns to his palace in Riyadh after undergoing a checkup at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the capital, Friday. (SPA photo)Riyadh: King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Friday morning underwent a brief medical examination at King Faisal Specialist Hospital here, after complaining of back pain, according to a statement released by the Royal Court.
The examination revealed that his slipped disc, diagnosed and treated earlier, was now complicated by a hematoma (collection of blood) that placed pressure on his spinal nerves. The medical team advised him to rest and to have further checkups. He left the hospital at noon.
The King’s condition emerged at the onset of Haj, which resulted in him asking Prince Naif, Second Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, to take over the task of overseeing Haj arrangements this year. Prince Naif delivered a number of speeches on his behalf. The King was, however, still active, and received a number of visitors. He walked with the aid of a cane.
Saudi Gazette