Hajj in good health: Exceptional success and digital care for more than 134,000 pilgrims
Health Holding Company and its affiliated health clusters announced the successful conclusion of the second edition of the “Hajj in Good Health” initiative for this year’s Hajj season (1445 AH), which provided comprehensive services to more than 134,329 domestic pilgrims. This initiative, implemented in partnership with Arab National Bank, is part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive healthcare system for pilgrims and aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Historical background and ongoing efforts to care for pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always prioritized the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque throughout history. Managing the millions of pilgrims arriving from all corners of the globe, with their diverse health and environmental backgrounds, presents a formidable logistical and health challenge. Healthcare services for pilgrims have evolved dramatically, from clinics and primary medical centers in the early days of the Kingdom to a comprehensive healthcare system today, encompassing specialized hospitals, field medical teams, and advanced medical technologies. The “Hajj in Good Health” initiative is a natural extension of this long-standing legacy, taking healthcare to a new level that focuses on proactive prevention and the innovative use of digital technology.
A qualitative leap in preventive care and health monitoring
This year's initiative witnessed a significant leap forward in monitoring and prevention, with national teams conducting over 120,736 laboratory tests for pilgrims. These proactive tests contributed to the detection and monitoring of 16,994 previously undiagnosed cases of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and other ailments. This preventative approach not only ensures the pilgrim's safety during the Hajj rituals but also contributes to improving their long-term quality of life by enabling them to effectively manage their health after the Hajj season.
Employing smart technologies to serve the pilgrims
In a first-of-its-kind technological transformation in the Kingdom, the initiative employed smart sensors to remotely monitor diabetic patients around the clock. More than 3,036 pilgrims across five different regions were effectively contacted to have these sensors fitted for those with high-risk conditions. This technology enabled real-time monitoring of their health data through the Diabetes Command and Control Center of the Health Holding Company, under the direct supervision of specialized Saudi physicians. This allowed for rapid and effective intervention when needed and ensured the stability of their health during the Hajj rituals.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
The significance of the “Hajj in Good Health” initiative extends far beyond direct medical care. Domestically, it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, particularly in the area of digital transformation of the healthcare sector and enhancing quality of life. Regionally and internationally, it offers a pioneering model for managing public health during large gatherings, reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a leader in humanitarian and technological services, and sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide that the health and safety of pilgrims is a top priority for the Kingdom.
Comprehensive field care and treatment services
On the field, the "Hajj in Good Health" campaign provided a comprehensive package of services, including dispensing over 18,359 prescriptions and distributing 8,324 emergency kits specifically for diabetic patients. Field visits to pilgrims' accommodations were also intensified to provide consultations and initial examinations. The Makkah Health Cluster undertook direct field follow-up for cases identified during the Hajj season to ensure continuity of care and electronically link pilgrims to primary healthcare centers in their home cities via the "Family Doctor" program immediately upon completion of their pilgrimage.
