The volunteer health program for Hajj 1445: 115 teams to serve the pilgrims
Launch of volunteer healthcare efforts in the holy sites
As pilgrims flock to the holy sites to perform Hajj for the year 1445 AH, the field teams of the Hajj Volunteer Health Program commenced their work for its eighteenth season, with 115 specialized field teams deployed to serve the pilgrims. The program aims to provide primary healthcare, awareness services, and preventative care in densely populated areas to ensure the safety of pilgrims and provide a rapid response to any health emergencies.
Historical background and importance of healthcare during Hajj
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on serving pilgrims, and healthcare is a cornerstone of the integrated services provided to them. Over the decades, healthcare services have evolved to accommodate the millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world, along with the accompanying logistical and health challenges. Volunteer work plays a vital role in supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, embodying the values of solidarity and generosity, and helping to bridge any gaps that may arise due to the immense pressure on healthcare infrastructure during the Hajj season. The existence of organized programs like the Volunteer Health Program reflects institutional maturity in crowd management and the provision of specialized and flexible services.
A field deployment plan to ensure comprehensive coverage
Volunteer teams began their work on the evening of the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and will continue in Arafat on the 9th, according to a well-defined field plan that ensures the distribution of volunteer healthcare points in strategic areas including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as along main pedestrian routes. The plan was designed to align with the pilgrim movement routes during the Hajj rituals, guaranteeing rapid response and the provision of efficient and high-quality field healthcare services. A total of 115 field teams are participating, covering vital locations such as the four levels of the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, with the aim of providing primary healthcare, promoting health awareness, and reducing injuries and health complications among pilgrims.
Training and empowering volunteer staff
Dr. Jasser bin Abdullah Al-Shehri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the “Dirham Wiqaya” Primary Healthcare Charitable Association, the program's implementing body, explained that the number of participating volunteers this year reached 710, comprising 402 male and 308 female volunteers. He confirmed that these volunteers underwent an intensive training program that included both theoretical and practical components, totaling 19,880 training hours. The training included 20 workshops and lectures presented by 10 specialized trainers, aimed at enhancing the teams' preparedness and enabling them to deal with the most common health conditions during the Hajj season, such as heat exhaustion, sunstroke, foot injuries, and exhaustion. The training also focused on equipping volunteers with the necessary skills to triage cases during emergencies and disasters, and to identify cases requiring referral to health centers and hospitals.
Local and international impact, in line with Vision 2030
The program is implemented under the supervision and support of several relevant entities, reflecting the integrated efforts of the non-profit sector, government agencies, and health authorities. Its impact extends beyond the local level, raising health awareness and reducing health risks, to the international level, showcasing the Kingdom's distinguished role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims. The program also aims to promote a culture of health volunteering among students in health colleges and empower national talent to actively participate in serving pilgrims, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Serving the Guests of God" program to enhance the quality of services provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
