Mina: Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalajel said in a press release issued today that the health plans for the Hajj season 1445 AH have been successfully carried out, and that there were no outbreak of disease or other threats to public health.
Al-Jalajel expressed his gratitude to the leadership, and said: “Thanks to Allah, and through the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the close follow-up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, I am pleased to announce the success of the health plans for this year’s Hajj season.”
He expressed particular satisfaction with the fact that there were no outbreaks or other public health threats despite the significant number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by high temperatures.
The minister highlighted the extensive resources allocated to ensure pilgrim well-being, which included 189 well-equipped hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with a combined capacity exceeding 6,500 beds, over 40,000 medica
l, technical, administrative staff, and volunteers who provided care, supported by more than 370 ambulances, seven air ambulances, and a strong logistics network encompassing 12 laboratories, 60 supply trucks, and three mobile medical warehouses strategically positioned across the holy sites.
He said that the ministry served over 390,000 pilgrims. Services included performing more than 28 open-heart surgeries, 720 cardiac catheterizations, and 1,169 dialysis sessions. More significantly, the Seha Virtual Hospital provided virtual consultations to over 5,800 pilgrims, primarily for heat-related illnesses, enabling prompt intervention and mitigating the potential for a surge in cases.
Al-Jalajel commended the collaborative effort of various healthcare entities. He acknowledged the contributions of the Makkah Health Cluster, the Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, as well as the valuable support provided by the National Unified Procurement Compan
y (NUPCO), the Health Volunteer Center, and all other stakeholders in the Kingdom’s health sector.
Al-Jalajel highlighted the measures implemented by the Supreme Hajj Committee, led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, which aimed to protect pilgrims from the risks of high temperatures during rituals and address potential health challenges.
He expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Interior’s contribution to implementing effective health plans.
The minister extended his gratitude to Makkah Governor and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Khalid bin Faisal, Deputy Governor and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, and the Municipality of Makkah for their pivotal role in achieving this success. He underscored that this accomplishment reflects the seamless collaboration between all government agencies and the early preparations made within the framework of the Pilgrim Experience Program.
Al-Jalajel specifically acknowledged
the Central Hajj Committee’s recommendation for pilgrims to avoid performing rituals during peak temperatures, which significantly contributed to safeguarding pilgrims’ health and minimizing heat stress injuries.
The minister commended the Pilgrim Experience Program for its role in fostering cooperation among Hajj stakeholders and unifying their efforts to create a unique, positive Hajj experience. He expressed gratitude to healthcare providers from the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, and the Ministry of Interior for their expertise in coordinating efforts and delivering healthcare services to pilgrims, and highlighted the seamless integration with other healthcare providers, which ensured prompt medical attention to all pilgrims.
Al-Jalajel commended the collaborative efforts exerted to educate pilgrims, which successfully prevented any outbreak of disease that could have impacted public health at the holy sites.
He expressed sincere gratitude to all participating government agencies for their co
llaborative approach to providing services, emphasizing that this collaboration significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj season this year, and prevented epidemics.
Al-Jalajel further commended the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among all personnel involved in serving pilgrims. He thanked all healthcare workers, security personnel, and other workers who contributed with dedication and tireless efforts to a successful Hajj season.
Source: Saudi Press Agency