Proactive health monitoring for pilgrims through the “With You” initiative in Mecca
In a move reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing healthcare for pilgrims, the Makkah Health Cluster successfully provided proactive health monitoring to over 62,875 domestic pilgrims through its innovative "With You" initiative. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive system for effective health communication with pilgrims before their arrival at the holy sites, during their performance of the rituals, and even after their return home, thus ensuring their safety and enriching their spiritual experience.
These efforts come within a long history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's exceptional care for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. With millions from around the world gathering in a limited geographical area for a short period, the health challenge emerges as a top priority. Healthcare services for pilgrims have developed significantly over the decades, from simple field medical teams to a vast network of hospitals and health centers equipped with the latest technologies, culminating today in the adoption of preventative and proactive care models exemplified by the "With You" initiative.
“With you”... a pioneering model in proactive health monitoring
The “With You” initiative operated through a specialized team that directly contacted registered pilgrims via a unified number. Before the Hajj season began, automated and direct calls were made to verify that pilgrims had completed the required vaccinations, assess their overall health, and identify any chronic illnesses they had. After collecting and analyzing this data, healthcare providers were provided with the necessary information to ensure they were prepared to provide appropriate care to each pilgrim according to their specific needs.
The importance of these proactive initiatives lies in their ability to transform the healthcare model from simply responding to emergencies to preventing them from occurring in the first place. By identifying pilgrims with chronic illnesses or those requiring special care before the Hajj season begins, the healthcare system can better prepare and allocate resources efficiently, thus reducing pressure on emergency departments and hospitals. Internationally, these preventative measures contribute to preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading model in managing large crowds and gatherings.
Continuous care during and after the Hajj journey
The follow-up didn't stop there; it continued throughout the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims were contacted to ensure their health was stable, especially those with chronic illnesses, and to confirm they had the necessary medications. In cases requiring additional support, such as missing or insufficient medication, the information was immediately relayed to field teams to secure the necessary treatments as quickly as possible. After the Hajj season concluded, the initiative contacted pilgrims to gauge their satisfaction with the services provided and gather their valuable feedback, which will contribute to future service improvements. Pilgrims were also directed to their respective health centers for further medical follow-up when needed.
The “With You” initiative embodies a qualitative shift in the concept of healthcare during the Hajj season, and confirms the approach adopted by the Kingdom in harnessing technology and data to serve the guests of God, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve the quality of life and provide the best services to citizens, residents and visitors alike.
