An intensive health care plan will be in place at the Grand Mosque for the millions of pilgrims coming here during Ramadan, Dr. Khalid Obaid Zafar, Director General of Health Services for the Western Region, has said. Talking to Saudi Gazette here on Thursday, the official said five dispensaries inside the Grand Mosque have been fully equipped to offer full medical services. These dispensaries are situated on the ground and first floors of Ajyad Gate No. 3, Gate No. 94 close to King Fahd Gate, Gate No. 64 and on the first floor of Al-Nadwa Gate. These dispensaries offer full medical care, including cases requiring emergency treatment. Health centers have also been established behind the Hilton Hotel, and in the As-Shobaika and Al-Marwah areas. In all, 29 health centers in the city including those around the Grand Mosque will offer prompt medical services to pilgrims, said Dr. Zafar. King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Az-Zaher; King Faisal Hospital, Sheesha; Hera General Hospital; Ibn Sina Hospital and Noor Specialist Hospitals have been tasked with serving patients referred to them by the health centers. A fleet of ambulances will be on stand by at the Grand Mosque to take patients requiring intensive care or accident cases to the aforesaid hospitals. Dr. Zafar said hot and sultry weather in Makkah poses several problems for pilgrims from across the globe. Umrah visitors coming from cold European countries and the United States are not accustomed to the hot weather, thus increasing the number of sunstroke and dehydration cases. Authorities have allocated a different section for pilgrims suffering from heat-related conditions, Dr. Zafar said. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah, Minister of Health, will personally supervise the health services provided for pilgrims, Dr. Zafar said.
