Health control during Hajj 1445: Figures and achievements to ensure the safety of millions
With the conclusion of a successful Hajj season in 1445 AH, the Makkah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed the extent of the field and service efforts implemented to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The operational plan included conducting over 15,500 inspection tours and supervising the slaughter of more than 90,800 head of livestock, all within a comprehensive system of health control procedures during Hajj aimed at preserving public health and applying the highest quality standards.
This announcement comes as the culmination of round-the-clock efforts during the Hajj season, in coordination with all relevant government and security agencies, to provide exceptional services to the millions of pilgrims who flocked to the Holy Land from all corners of the earth. Managing crowds and providing logistical and health services during the Hajj season is a significant and historic challenge, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on developing this system year after year, utilizing the latest technologies and dedicating all available human and material resources to serving the pilgrims.
An integrated monitoring system to ensure the safety of food and sacrificial animals
At the heart of these efforts was the highly efficient Support Services Department at the Ministry branch, which supported field operations through 26 specialized teams comprising 341 employees, backed by an operational fleet of 57 vehicles. These field teams conducted 15,504 thorough inspection tours of markets, slaughterhouses, food establishments, and central kitchens to ensure compliance with health and environmental regulations. These tours resulted in the detection of 462 violations and warnings, reflecting the seriousness of the oversight and the unwavering commitment to enforcing regulations that guarantee the safety of pilgrims.
Supervising the ritual sacrifice as part of health control efforts during Hajj
The sacrifice of animals during Hajj is an essential part of the pilgrimage rituals, and the Ministry's pivotal role in veterinary health supervision is evident here. A total of 90,825 head of livestock were inspected at approved slaughterhouses. As a result of thorough pre- and post-slaughter inspections, 8,492 animals were partially condemned and 1,125 were completely condemned due to being deemed unfit for human consumption. These stringent preventative measures play a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting the health of both pilgrims and citizens. Additionally, 232 carcasses deemed fit for consumption were donated to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need, in accordance with the principle of social solidarity.
Managing food surplus and promoting volunteer work
The efforts were not limited to oversight alone, but extended to efficient resource management. At the central Al-Kaakiyah market, field inspections contributed to enhanced compliance, in addition to the distribution of over 7,618 kilograms of edible fruits and vegetables to charities as part of initiatives to reduce food waste. On the community front, the season witnessed active participation from volunteers, with 327 volunteer opportunities organized, involving 1,161 volunteers who contributed to distributing over 1,585 meals and 305,191 bottles of water to pilgrims, embodying the spirit of cooperation that characterizes Saudi society in serving the guests of God.
Engineer Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry’s branch in Makkah, confirmed that the success of the operational plans came as a result of the integration of efforts between all participating parties, and the continuous support from the wise leadership, which contributed to providing high-quality services befitting the sanctity of the place and time.
