Makkah Health: 10 hospitals and 82 centers ready to serve Ramadan pilgrims
The Makkah Health Cluster announced its readiness for the holy month of Ramadan, implementing a comprehensive operational plan to provide the highest levels of healthcare to pilgrims, visitors, and residents of the holy city. The plan includes fully equipping 10 hospitals and 82 health centers to ensure the availability of high-quality medical services around the clock.
Historical background and ongoing efforts
These annual preparations are part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s historic and ongoing efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Over the decades, the Kingdom has developed a comprehensive system for managing crowds and providing services during peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj, drawing on accumulated experience to ensure the safety and comfort of millions. These efforts align with the objectives of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich and enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience and provide every means of comfort and peace of mind for Muslims from around the world.
Details of the Ramadan operational plan
Under the direct supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Health, a plan has been activated to enhance services in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque. Hospitals and emergency centers within the Haram operate 24/7, including the Haram Hospital located on the northern side of the Grand Mosque, and three emergency centers distributed throughout the Haram courtyards. All are equipped with the latest medical technologies to provide immediate care for emergencies. To facilitate access to services, five mobile clinics with fully equipped medical teams have been deployed at key locations and entrances to Mecca to provide primary healthcare.
The importance and impact of the event
These preparations are of paramount importance both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the plan ensures a safe and healthy environment for citizens, residents, and millions of domestic pilgrims, alleviating pressure on the regular healthcare system. Internationally, the successful management of the Hajj season from a health perspective reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Providing world-class healthcare sends a message of reassurance to Muslims everywhere and underscores the Kingdom's ability to efficiently and effectively manage the world's largest religious gathering, ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Integrated coordination and specialized services
The plan is characterized by its high efficiency and seamless coordination among all healthcare facilities within the cluster, ensuring the rapid admission and transfer of patients between hospitals according to their medical condition. King Abdullah Medical City serves as the specialized referral hospital for treating heart attacks and strokes. Other major hospitals, such as Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Heraa General Hospital, and Ajyad Hospital, also participate in providing comprehensive medical services through their fully equipped emergency departments. The executive management of the healthcare cluster affirms that all available human and material resources have been mobilized to provide healthcare that meets the expectations of pilgrims and residents of Makkah.
