The Ministry of Health (MOH) has intensified its preparations to deal with cases of heat stress and heat strokes expected to occur this year, as the Hajj season coincides with rising temperatures. The ministry has prepared a number of health facilities in Makkah, the Holy Sites and Madinah.
It has allocated 238 beds to receive cases of sunstrokes, including 172 beds in the Holy Sites hospitals, 51 beds in Makkah, and 15 beds in Madinah.
MOH has provided a large number of misting fans, which have proven effectives in dealing with cases of heat stress and sunstroke. All health facilities (hospitals and healthcare centers) have been supplied with the fans. It has implemented a number of courses and field training programs for workers in these health facilities to deal with cases of sunstroke and methods of treatment and transport.
In the same vein, the ministry has disseminated awareness messages for the pilgrims, including ways to prevent heat stress and sunstroke, warning pilgrims against direct exposure to the hot sun because of its negative effects.
Also, it has provided a number of educational and awareness programs for pilgrims through medical missions and various means of transportation in various languages, as well as an awareness programs for pilgrims form inside and outside the Kingdom upon their arrival, on how to deal with cases of heat stress and sunstroke.