RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel has commended the successful health preparations for Hajj 2024, noting that no outbreaks or public health threats were recorded during the pilgrimage, despite the large number of pilgrims and high temperatures.
The success of this year’s Hajj health plans is something I’m happy to announce. We did not have any outbreaks or public health hazards, Al-Jalajel said, ‘despite the great number of pilgrims and the obstacles created by high temperatures’.
The health system was robustly prepared, with 189 hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics offering over 6,500 beds. More than 40,000 medical, technical, and administrative staff and volunteers were mobilized, supported by over 370 ambulances, seven air ambulances, 12 laboratories, and 60 trucks. The ministry also provided over 1,860 medical supplies and deployed three mobile medical warehouses across the holy sites.
During the pilgrimage, more than 390,000 pilgrims received healthcare services. Notably, 28 pilgrims underwent open-heart surgery, 720 received cardiac catheters, and over 1,169 had dialysis sessions. Virtual health services through Seha Virtual Hospital were provided to over 5,800 pilgrims, effectively managing heat stress cases through proactive awareness efforts.
The minister attributed the success to the collaboration among various government agencies, including the Makkah Health Cluster, the Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), the Food and Drug Authority, and contributions from the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), the Health Volunteering Center, and other entities.
Al-Jalajel also praised the Supreme Hajj Committee for measures protecting pilgrims from extreme heat and other health risks, and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for its active role in executing the health plans. He highlighted the Central Hajj Committee’s recommendation for pilgrims to avoid peak heat times, contributing significantly to maintaining safety and managing heat stress cases.
