The Hajj Voluntary Health Program: Intensive efforts for the safety of pilgrims
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims performing Hajj, the Dirham Wiqaya Primary Healthcare Charitable Association announced the launch of the 18th edition of its "Volunteer Health Program" to serve pilgrims during this year's Hajj season. This ambitious program, which combines academic expertise with governmental and non-profit sector efforts, features broad participation from volunteers representing more than 30 local and international universities across various health-related disciplines, aiming to provide comprehensive field and preventative healthcare in the holy sites.
Historical background and importance of healthcare during Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage is the world's largest annual gathering of people, drawing millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe, presenting unique logistical and health challenges. For decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized the development of its healthcare system for pilgrims, investing in advanced infrastructure and highly qualified medical personnel. Volunteer work plays a vital role in this system, embodying the values of Islamic solidarity and contributing to bridging gaps and providing flexible and responsive services. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of volunteers and enhance the role of the non-profit sector in community development.
Program details and field initiatives
Dr. Jasser Al-Shehri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association, explained that the program is being implemented in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Makkah Health Cluster represented by King Abdullah Medical City, and Umm Al-Qura University, and under the direct supervision of the Ministries of Hajj and Umrah and Health, and the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector to ensure the application of the highest quality standards.
This year's key field initiatives include:
- Integrated health clinics: Four health clinics will be operating on the pedestrian route between Arafat and Muzdalifah for the second year in a row, to provide treatment services for emergency cases.
- Mobile units: Activating mobile clinics to conduct initial examinations and provide immediate care for the most common conditions such as heat exhaustion, sunstroke, foot problems, and follow-up for patients with chronic diseases.
- Prevention first: Reinforcing the concept of “prevention before treatment” through health awareness teams that tour the pilgrims’ camps to provide the necessary medical guidance and advice.
The program's impact and its national and international dimensions
The program's impact extends far beyond simply providing direct care to pilgrims. Locally, it offers a unique platform for students in health colleges to hone their skills and apply their knowledge in a specialized field environment focused on mass gathering medicine, thus contributing to the development of a new generation of qualified healthcare professionals. Internationally, the participation of leading universities fosters the exchange of expertise and best practices in managing large crowds, presenting the world with a distinguished model of organized humanitarian and volunteer work in the Kingdom. These efforts were recently recognized with the program winning first place in the Excellence in Service to the Guests of God Award at the 2025 Hajj Conference and Exhibition, reflecting its success and leadership in this vital field.
