The Saudi Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, has announced the successful implementation of health plans for this year’s Hajj, with no recorded outbreaks or public health threats despite the high temperatures and large number of pilgrims.
In a statement, Al-Jalajel said: “I am pleased to announce the success of this year’s Hajj health plans. Despite the large number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by high temperatures, we experienced no outbreaks or public health threats.”
The health system for Hajj was robustly prepared, comprising 189 hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with a bed capacity exceeding 6,500. More than 40,000 medical, technical, and administrative staff and volunteers were mobilized, supported by over 370 ambulances, seven air ambulances, 12 laboratories, and 60 trucks. Additionally, three mobile medical warehouses were deployed across the holy sites, and more than 1,860 medical supplies were provided.
During the pilgrimage, over 390,000 pilgrims received healthcare services, including 28 undergoing open heart surgery, 720 receiving cardiac catheters, and more than 1,169 having dialysis sessions. Virtual health services through Seha Virtual Hospital were provided to over 5,800 pilgrims, and heat stress cases were effectively managed. Proactive awareness efforts helped limit the increase in health cases.
The success of the healthcare plans was attributed to the integration among various government agencies, including the Makkah Health Cluster of the Health Holding Company, the Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), the Food and Drug Authority, and contributions from the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) and the Health Volunteering Center.
Al-Jalajel commended the Supreme Hajj Committee for their protective measures against extreme heat and other health risks, and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for their role in executing the health plans.
