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SUPPORTING SERVICES
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
To deal with problems posed by its widespread
operations, Tapline engages in some activities not generally
associated with pipeline business.
An outstanding example is the company's
medical organization. Tapline maintains a hospital and clinics at each
of its main pump stations, and clinics at Beirut and Sidon. Each
location is staffed with physicians and nurses. At the main Tapline
hospital in Badanah more than 500 clinic patients a day, the greatest
percentage of them members of the public residing in the area of the
pipeline, are given free treatment. Clinics at the other points care
for many more hundreds. In 1954, Tapline treated a total of 87,203
clinic patients and provided 2,296 days of inhospital treatment. In
1960 there was a total of 267,321 clinic visits, and patients were
hospitalized for a total of 11,186 days.
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Since it began operations, Tapline has helped
the Saudi Arab Government plan and lay out the communities that have
grown up near the main pump stations. It has also provided technical
and other assistance to the communities and to individuals desiring to
establish useful private business enterprises to serve these
communities.
Water from wells, drilled primarily for pump
station use, is made available to travelers and residents in the
vicinity of the pump stations. Each year these wells supply great
herds of camels and sheep moving between grazing areas.
Like other responsible corporate and
individual citizens of the Middle East community, Tapline tries to add
to the progress of the areas in which it operates. It gives priority
to local and regional goods and services in its purchasing programs,
pays fair wages, assists in rehabilitation and development projects
and contributes to charitable causes and to educational and other
cultural institutions.
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The "Noble," a mooring launch built for the company in Lebanon, is
launched at Beirut. Tapline buys in Arab nations whenever it can.
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Surgeons operating at Tapline hospital, Badanah. Thousands receive
treatment annually at company's various hospitals and clinics.
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