Makkah Health Cluster: 3 million visits and 22% growth by 2025

The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant leap forward, with the Makkah Health Cluster announcing remarkable growth in the number of beneficiaries of primary care services during 2025. The total number of visits exceeded 3 million, a strong indicator reflecting the success of health transformation strategies and the expansion of services provided to residents and visitors of the Holy City.

Rapid growth in numbers

Official statistics released by the association revealed that the total number of visits reached 3,013,063 in 2025, compared to 2,463,446 in 2024. This represents an increase of 549,617 visits, achieving a growth rate of 22.3% . These figures not only reflect population growth but also confirm the increased public awareness of the importance of primary care as the first line of defense and the main gateway to the healthcare system.

The context of health transformation and Vision 2030

This achievement comes within the framework of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to restructure the health sector into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated healthcare system. Strengthening the role of primary healthcare centers is a cornerstone of this transformation, as the national strategy aims to facilitate access to healthcare services, improve their quality, and focus on prevention before treatment. The success of the Makkah Health Cluster in attracting this large number of patients reflects the effectiveness of implementing the "modern healthcare model" that places the beneficiary at the heart of the system.

The most active centers in Mecca

The health services map in Makkah witnessed remarkable activity in several neighborhoods, with the following centers topping the list of those receiving the most beneficiaries:

• Al-Shara’i Health Center (7): Leading with 218,996 beneficiaries.
• Al-Zaher Health Center: 143,094 beneficiaries.
• Al-Aziziyah Health Center: 137,459 visits.
• Al-Nawariyah Health Center: 132,075 visits.
• Hadaa Health Center: 129,384 visits.

Other centers also recorded significant numbers, such as Al-Jumum (115,178), Al-Kaakiyah (72,020), Al-Hindawiyah (68,542), Al-Sharqiyah (65,716), and Al-Shara’i 2 (62,957), which shows the balanced geographical distribution of services to cover the high population density in Makkah.

Reasons for the rise and its impact on quality of life

The group attributed this growth to several strategic and operational factors, most notably the expansion of specialized healthcare services within primary care centers, improved operational efficiency, and increased capacity. Digital solutions, such as facilitating online booking through approved applications and reducing waiting times, also played a crucial role in enhancing the patient experience.

From an economic and health perspective, strengthening primary healthcare helps alleviate pressure on emergency departments and referral hospitals, allowing them to focus on critical and complex cases. This approach also promotes public health and preventative care, positively impacting the quality of life for citizens and residents of Mecca.

Future outlook

The Makkah Health Cluster affirmed its commitment to continuing the development of its physical and digital infrastructure and enhancing the readiness of its medical and administrative staff. These steps are essential to meet future challenges and address growing needs, particularly in a city the size of Makkah, which receives millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually, making the preparedness of its health centers a strategic imperative both locally and internationally.