The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque in Mecca, a long-standing commitment that has made the care of pilgrims a top priority for the wise leadership. Within this commitment, healthcare services during Hajj at the forefront of national efforts, with the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques dedicating all available human, material, and technological resources to ensure the comfort of pilgrims. The healthcare system has announced the provision of more than 655,983 healthcare services to pilgrims since the beginning of the Hajj season of 1447 AH until the fifth day of Dhul-Hijjah.
These tremendous efforts align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of God Service Program, both cornerstones of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aim to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and comfort in a safe and healthy environment. Historically, managing medical crowds during the Hajj season is considered one of the most complex logistical and health operations globally. However, the Saudi Ministry of Health has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, establishing itself as an international benchmark recognized by the World Health Organization in the field of mass gathering medicine. This impact extends beyond the local level, reaching regionally and internationally, as these figures reflect the Kingdom’s ability to manage millions of people within a limited geographical area and in record time, sending a reassuring message to the entire world.
Statistics on medical care and surgical interventions
According to official statistics released by the Ministry of Health, a total of 36,159 people benefited from health center and urgent care services. Hospital emergency departments received 24,481 cases, all of which were handled with high professionalism by medical staff. Outpatient clinics provided care to 3,250 patients, while the health conditions of 3,328 pilgrims required hospitalization for necessary treatment and close monitoring.
Health services during Hajj were not limited to primary care, but included delicate surgical interventions to save lives, as (240) advanced surgical operations were performed, including (167) cardiac catheterization operations, and (9) open heart operations, which reflects the complete readiness of the operating rooms and specialized staff.
Speed of response and handling of heat stress
Due to the climatic conditions and high temperatures coinciding with the Hajj season, field medical teams immediately and efficiently treated 15 cases of heat exhaustion. These teams operate within a sophisticated field system designed for rapid response and enhanced medical intervention across various locations in the holy sites, supported by ambulances equipped with the latest technologies and specialized cooling centers.
Preventive care and advisory services
In addition to curative care, preventive efforts play a crucial role in maintaining public health and preventing disease outbreaks. The preventive services provided exceeded 289,700, directly contributing to the well-being of pilgrims. The Ministry also provided effective communication channels around the clock, with the unified call center (937) receiving over 13,615 calls to provide medical consultations, health guidance, and answer pilgrims' inquiries in multiple languages.
In conclusion, the Kingdom's healthcare system continues its efforts with high efficiency, relying on well-considered proactive plans and a comprehensive, high-quality healthcare system. This ongoing commitment ensures the provision of advanced and safe medical care for pilgrims and embodies the highest ideals of humanity and care that the Kingdom offers in service to Islam and Muslims.
