His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, stressed on the importance of unifying the efforts of all health sectors participating in Hajj to ensure providing an integrated and comprehensive healthcare services to the pilgrims, in line with the directives of our Leaders - May Allah protect them - to exert all efforts and harness all resources to serve pilgrims. During the Health Sector Directors Coordination Meeting, headed by the Minister on Sunday, His Excellency stated that providing health services for pilgrims is the Kingdom's top priority, praising last Hajj season’s successful health achievements, thanks to Allah's guidance and the support of the prudent leadership, as well as the comprehensive coordination among the health services sector.
Moreover, Dr. Al Rabeeah pointed out that the Hajj Health Plan is an integrated system of efforts and services. The meeting has also included a review of the Ministry of Health work plan and health sectors work plan during this year's Hajj season. It has also included a review of the recommendations mentioned in the Health Sector Coordinators Meeting minutes, which was held on 4/10/2011. One of the main recommendations is developing patient transfer mechanism in cases of accidents and emergencies. In addition, health authorities participating in Hajj are going to provide ambulances with specialized equipments to address heat exhaustion and heat stroke cases, as all information will be electronically centralized and shared among all hospitals and health facilities in Hajj. In addition, the Ministry of Health will be the only entity authorized to declare epidemics or food poisoning cases during the Hajj season.