Jeddah hospital honors Yemeni expat for 40 years of service

JEDDAH: Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital honored a Yemeni employee upon completing forty years of service, earlier last week.
Mohammed Abkar Omar Tam, also known as “Amm Mohammed,” meaning “Uncle Mohammed,” has been working at the hospital since 1978.
The hospital staff planned the surprise with Dr. Mazen Fakeeh, the president and chairman of the board of the Fakeeh Care Group.
Uncle Mohammed was given a trophy of recognition and gifts from various other employees.
The hospital posted a video on their social media that showed the celebration held in the honor of Mohammed.
Dr. Fakeeh said: “He represents our staff’s dedication and loyalty.”
Marketing director Osama Al-Shaikh told Arab News, “From the oldest to the youngest of the Fakeeh family, we kiss the top of his head as a way to show respect.”
The 58-year old Yemeni national has been working in the hospital since before the construction of the main premises.
He worked with Dr. Soliman Fakeeh at his old clinic in Al-Balad district. He made the appointments for the doctor and assisted him with his equipment.
Mohammed was there to supervise and guide the workers when the construction plan of the building was laid. He has seen people come and go.
He was a friend to all the employees and can be found talking to security and the receptionist and various other employees. He was given a choice by the CEO to stay and leave as he pleases, or just stay at home and continue to receive payment. Despite this, he still arrives at the hospital at 5 a.m. and leaves at 7 p.m. sharp every day, including the weekends.
“The Fakeeh family is my family,” said Amm Mohammed, and “this hospital is my home.
“I can’t take a day’s vacation because the hospital life is the only life I know,” he added.