MINA — Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel has said that the ministry's health plans for the Hajj season of 2024 have been successfully carried out and that there were no outbreaks of diseases or other threats to public health reported during the Hajj. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Saudi leadership. "Thanks to Allah, and through the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the close follow-up of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, I am pleased to announce the success of the health plans for this year's Hajj season," he said. Al-Jalajel expressed satisfaction over the fact that there were no outbreaks or other public health threats reported despite the significant number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by high temperatures. The minister highlighted the extensive resources allocated to ensure pilgrims' well-being, which included 189 well-equipped hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with a combined capacity exceeding 6,500 beds, over 40,000 medical, technical, and 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, and these 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 Company (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 Khaled Al-Faisal, Deputy Emir and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Saud bin Mishal, 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 collaborative approach to providing services, emphasizing that this collaboration significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj season this year, and prevented epidemics. The minister also 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.
