The Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel has announced the success of the health plan for this year's Hajj 1443 AH (2022), citing that it is free from outbreaks or other effects on public health. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Minister of Health said that "in light of the great support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince, I am pleased to announce the success of Hajj health plans for this year 1443 H (2022). This Hajj season is free from any outbreaks or effects on public health, a reflection of the integration among all government sectors and early preparation." "Based on the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain the human health and safety, more than 230 health facilities across all health sectors provided services to pilgrims, through medical points in Al-Mashaer and Al-Haramain trains, the central area of the Grand Mosque, and all holy sites, with the aim of providing all services for primary care, and specialized medical services for pilgrims and Umrah performers," he added. The Minister of Health disclosed that the number of pilgrims who received health services amounted to about 130,000, with implementing 10 open-heart surgeries and more than 187 cardiac catheterization, in addition to 447 dialysis sessions, adding that the Virtual Health Hospital served more than 2,000 pilgrims. He said that more than 25,000 health practitioners and 2,000 volunteers took part in the health plans. The Minister of Health pointed out that the Saudi Authority of Red Crescent (SRAC) provided support to emergency cases and air ambulance service to transport injured pilgrims around the clock, as air ambulance cases amounted to more than 17 cases at a rate of 29 minutes. With regard to cases related to coronavirus (Covid-19), the Minister of Health affirmed that a limited number amounting to 38 cases were detected in the holy sites, without recording secondary cases, asserting that all cases were dealt in accordance with the health protocols, while facilitating their mission to complete their pilgrimage. Minister Al-Jalajel praised the role of all governmental sectors and the integration in providing all services, which had a significant role in the success of the health plans for this year's Hajj.
