Hajj arrangements were effective, 1.3 million pilgrims were provided with medical services: Saudi Health Minister

The Saudi minister said the achievement was made possible by the coordinated efforts of the health system and Hajj security forces "where no cases of epidemics or widespread diseases have been recorded."

The Minister of Health of Saudi Arabia, Fahd Al-Jalajal, has said that  the arrangements made for the health of the pilgrims during the Hajj 2024 were successful and 1.3 million medical services were provided to the pilgrims.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, in an interview given on June 23, he said that this success was made possible by the coordinated efforts of the health system and the Hajj security forces.

'Where no incidence of epidemic or widespread disease has been recorded. The health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who did not obtain official permission for Hajj.

The Health Minister expressed satisfaction about the overall health situation of the pilgrims despite the intense heat at the holy places.

During the interview, he also highlighted the positive effects of the immediate actions of the Ministry of Health authorities and the effective efforts of the Hajj security forces in reducing the heat intensity in a systematic manner.

According to him: 'The health system has resolved several cases despite the severity of the heat this year, with some people still under care.

'Tragically, the death toll reached 1301, 83 per cent of whom were unable to perform Hajj and had walked long distances in direct sunlight without adequate shelter or rest. Many elderly and chronically ill people are also among those who died.

The Health Minister also highlighted the efforts being made by the authorities to create awareness about the dangers of heatstroke and the importance of precautionary measures.

During the ritual, he condoled with the families of those who lost their lives and expressed grief over these deaths.

According to him: 'Despite the initial lack of personal information or identification documents, all reports have been compiled, the families of the deceased have been informed and identification has been completed.

"Whereas appropriate procedures are adopted for identification and burial of deceased persons and death certificates are provided."

The health minister further said that the provision of free medical services to the Hajj pilgrims by the country had already started before their arrival and awareness programs had been started at the air, sea and land border crossings.

According to him: '1.3 million medical services were provided to pilgrims during the Hajj, including early diagnosis, vaccination and medical care on arrival.

Services provided to pilgrims include open heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, dialysis and emergency care, a total of more than 30,000 ambulances, 95 air ambulance operations to provide modern healthcare services in medical cities across the kingdom. Be there to make sure.'

He further informed that: Health Department provided 6500 beds and rooms. Actions to combat the heat wave included the provision of equipment that enables rapid and effective rescue of victims.'