Activating virtual clinics in 111 facilities in Makkah
In a move reflecting the rapid development of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia, the Makkah Health Cluster announced a significant leap forward in telemedicine services, with the activation of virtual clinics in 111 of its healthcare facilities. The cluster successfully provided over 1.2 million virtual medical consultations in 2025, marking a major milestone in the digital transformation of healthcare services in the Holy City.
Comprehensive coverage and specialized expertise
This expansion wasn't limited to increasing the number of facilities; it also included a significant diversification of services offered. Virtual clinics covered more than 150 specialized and general medical fields, enabling patients to receive expert consultations without physically visiting hospitals. This diversity ensures comprehensive healthcare that meets the various needs of patients, from initial consultations to specialized follow-ups, all operated with high efficiency to guarantee accurate diagnoses and high-quality medical guidance.
Enhancing the efficiency of the health system and Vision 2030
This achievement is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Health Transformation Program, a pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate access to and improve the quality of healthcare services. Virtual clinics play a pivotal role in alleviating pressure on traditional outpatient clinics, allowing medical staff to focus on critical cases requiring immediate intervention. This model also contributes to the optimal utilization of human and operational resources, thereby increasing the economic efficiency of healthcare facilities.
Improving the patient journey and reducing waiting times
One of the most significant direct benefits of this expansion is its positive impact on the patient experience. Virtual clinics have directly contributed to reducing long waiting lists and saving time and effort for patients, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses who may find it difficult to travel frequently. The health cluster emphasized that these steps prioritize patient comfort while ensuring continuity of care through the use of the latest digital solutions and technologies.
The future of healthcare in Mecca
The Makkah Health Cluster concluded by affirming its commitment to continuing this developmental approach, noting future plans to include more specialties and facilities within its network of virtual clinics. This aims to provide a flexible and safe healthcare model that not only serves the residents of Makkah but also extends its positive impact to pilgrims and Umrah performers, offering them world-class medical care characterized by speed and ease.
