Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Hospital in Aden stands as a healthcare lifeline, delivering critical care to thousands amid Yemen’s struggles. Revamped and fully equipped and run by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), it now serves Aden and beyond at full strength.

A Milestone in Yemen’s Healthcare Sector
Back in 1994, the hospital was originally gifted by Saudi Arabia. However, it had been closed since 2005 due to deteriorating services, maintenance needs, and the 2015 conflict. Starting in 2018, it underwent an extensive rehabilitation process under SDRPY’s guidance. The rehabilitation included structural upgrades, a new cardiac center, and cutting-edge equipment supported by steady supplies.

The refurbished hospital was officially inaugurated on May 10, 2023, by Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, and Mohammed Saeed Al-Jaber, the program’s general supervisor and the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen. It has since been transformed into a modern healthcare hub, serving an estimated 438,000 patients annually in Aden alone.

Since early 2023, the hospital has provided over 2.4 million medical services—a significant figure compared to other hospitals in Aden. Covering 20,000 square meters, it is the largest medical facility in the capital in both size and range of services and its medical equipment meets the highest standards of Saudi hospitals, according to Abdullah bin Kadsa, director of SDRPY media and strategic communications.

In March 2024, Aden’s Minister of State and Governor, Ahmed Lamlas, renamed the facility from Aden General Hospital to Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Hospital, honoring Saudi Arabia’s contributions to Yemen’s health and development.

The SDRPY supports Yemen’s health sector with wide-ranging medical projects and initiatives, spanning hospitals and healthcare facilities. These efforts have enhanced service quality, improved access, and advanced infrastructure through the creation of
specialized medical centers, while also strengthening and training healthcare staff.

Transforming Lives Through Care

The hospital provides free medical services, leading to a significant influx of patients from across Yemen, including some from abroad. This high demand is reflected in the daily patient volume, with the hospital handling 1,000 general cases, while the heart center managing between 400 and 600 patients each day, according to Kadasa.

With 270 beds, 14 specialized clinics, and 2,187 advanced devices backed by SDRPY, the hospital tackles complex procedures like cardiac catheterizations and critical surgeries. From January 2023 to February 2025, it has delivered over 2.4 million medical services, performed over 14,000 surgeries, and issued over 550,000 prescriptions, far surpassing similar facilities in Aden, per SDRPY website.

The hospital’s heart center is central to its mission. Staffed by Saudi specialists and equipped with advanced technology, the center has completed over 5,000 cardiac catheterizations and open-heart surgerie since January 2023. Jalal Ubsi is among those whose lives have been transformed. “I’m deeply thankful for the care that saved my life,” Ubsi said. “This surgery has given me a new chance to live and support my family.”

Empowering Staff, Expanding Reach
Through SDRPY and KSrelief, the hospital boosts capacity with volunteer programs adding urological surgeries and physical therapy. Training in cardiology, respiratory care, ICU, and CPR ensures staff excellence, solidifying its role as Yemen’s healthcare leader.

It also plays a crucial role in Aden’s response to frequent medical crises while serving as a volunteer hub where Saudi and Yemeni specialists provide advanced care in cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, ENT, pediatrics, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.

Although based in Aden, the hospital serves patients from across Yemen, ensuring access to quality healthcare beyond the governorate.

The SDRPY operates in eight key sectors, collaborating with the Yemeni government and local authorities to identify the needs of Yemenis across all governorates to guide the selection of development projects.