Saudi King to Undergo Medical Tests for High Fever: Reports

Photo : AFP

Amidst ongoing efforts to allay concerns about King Salman's health, reports emerged from Riyadh indicating that the Saudi monarch is grappling with a "high temperature" and joint discomfort. According to state media, King Salman is slated to undergo a second round of medical examinations within a span of less than a month, with tests scheduled at a clinic within the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, as disclosed by the Royal Court in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The statement elucidated that King Salman is contending with elevated temperature levels and joint pain, prompting the medical team to recommend further diagnostic tests to ascertain his health status and ensure his well-being.

At 88 years old, King Salman has occupied the throne since 2015, with his son, Mohammed bin Salman, assuming the role of crown prince in 2017 and assuming substantial governance responsibilities on a day-to-day basis.

The health of the monarch, typically a closely guarded subject, has periodically come under scrutiny. In April, the Royal Court revealed that King Salman had undergone routine examinations at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, after which he was discharged on the same day. Earlier, in May 2022, he had been hospitalized for a colonoscopy and underwent additional tests, accompanied by a brief period of recuperation, according to SPA.

Despite persistent speculations, Riyadh has consistently refuted rumors of King Salman's abdication in favor of Prince Mohammed. The monarch's medical history includes gall bladder surgery in 2020 and hospitalization in March 2022 for medical evaluations and a pacemaker battery replacement.

Having served as the governor of Riyadh for decades and holding the position of defense minister, King Salman's reign has been characterized by ambitious socioeconomic reforms, spearheaded largely by his son, aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia for a post-oil era. Concurrently, Prince Mohammed has overseen a rigorous crackdown on dissent, a move viewed by analysts as central to consolidating his authority.