Health preparations for the Hajj season: 189 facilities to serve pilgrims
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel announced the completion and success of health preparations for the Hajj season, affirming the full readiness of the medical system to serve the pilgrims. He reassured everyone of the stability of the overall health situation, declaring that the holy sites are free of any epidemic outbreaks or diseases that threaten public health. During the government press conference, he explained that these achievements are a continuation of the early planning and unlimited support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims from the moment they arrive until their departure.
A historical legacy in managing medical crowds
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on providing medical care for pilgrims. Over the decades, its healthcare system has evolved into a global model for managing massive crowds. Since the Kingdom's founding, the health of pilgrims has been a top priority, developing from simple field clinics in the past to integrated medical cities and virtual hospitals utilizing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. This continuous development reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment, adaptable to various global challenges, and ensuring the highest standards of medical quality for the millions of Muslims who flock to the Kingdom annually from all corners of the earth.
Health preparations for the Hajj season: An integrated care network
The Ministry of Health has mobilized all its resources to provide comprehensive medical care starting at points of entry and continuing throughout the Hajj pilgrimage. The Minister of Health revealed the establishment of a vast medical network comprising 189 hospitals, primary care centers, and mobile clinics, strategically distributed across Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites, to ensure rapid medical response.
In numerical terms, the capacity of health facilities exceeds 6,500 medical beds, including more than 800 beds dedicated to intensive care, in addition to providing more than 280 beds for immediate handling of cases of heat stress and sunstroke.
Qualified human resources and advanced technologies
On the human and logistical front, more than 40,000 healthcare professionals, technicians, administrators, and volunteers are deployed in the field to serve the pilgrims, supported by an ambulance fleet of over 370 vehicles and seven air ambulances, in addition to 12 blood banks. The Minister highlighted the pivotal role of technology in facilitating medical services through the operation of the "Seha" virtual hospital, which provides specialized remote support to field medical teams, contributing to the speed and accuracy of diagnosing critical cases.
The regional and international impact of successful health outcomes during Hajj
The success of the Saudi healthcare system extends far beyond the local level, reaching crucial regional and international dimensions. By ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims returning to their home countries, the Kingdom directly contributes to strengthening global health security and preventing the spread of cross-border epidemics. Furthermore, the accumulated expertise gained by Saudi personnel in managing these massive gatherings has become a benchmark for the World Health Organization and other countries in medical planning and crisis management, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading force in preventive medicine.
Climate challenges and the importance of permit compliance
In light of the climatic challenges, the Minister of Health warned of the risks posed by the expected rise in temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage. He offered direct medical advice to pilgrims, urging them to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun and to drink plenty of fluids regularly. He emphasized the importance of avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, considering adherence to health guidelines a shared responsibility to ensure the safe performance of the rituals.
The minister also addressed the significant positive impact of the "No Hajj Without a Permit" security campaign on the healthcare system, explaining that medical planning is meticulously based on the approved number of registered pilgrims, ensuring highly efficient service delivery. He emphasized that the presence of unregistered pilgrims places undue pressure on medical facilities and deprives registered pilgrims of timely care. He noted that those in violation of regulations expose themselves to the risk of heat exhaustion due to the lack of proper tents and shelters. He concluded by affirming the continuation of round-the-clock field operations and monitoring to guarantee everyone's safety.
