His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development, and the Head of the Preparatory Hajj Committees, Dr. Mohamed Khoshaim, said the Ministry continues to provide the best medical services to pilgrims these days at the Holy Places, at the directives of the Rulers, May Allah protect them, noting that 20,000 participants from various medical and administrative specialties take part in the implementation of the Ministry’s plan.
Dr. Khoshaim said that the provision of health services to pilgrims began at an early stage at the land, sea and air ports, and medical services moved to Madinah, Makkah, and the remaining the Holy Places. He pointed out that the long, accumulative experience of the Ministry's staff and teams help provide the best service to pilgrims.
Khoshaim added that 115 consultants and specialists from within the Kingdom take part in the mission including the specialties of consulting, anesthesia, cardiology, catheterization, in addition to 205 catheterization, respiratory therapy and intensive care nursing and emergency specialists and technicians. 366 scout students provide services to support the operation of health facilities, 280 in the holy capital and other holy places, 86 at Medina, as well as 50 medicine and health studies students who are meant to receive encouragement to be part of the hajj season.
He added the Ministry is keen on the motto "Prevention is Better than Cure" through better control on epidemic diseases, keeping an eye on the latest finds of the global health arena through the World Health Organization and international health agencies. He pointed out that the necessary safeguards were applied to all arriving pilgrims through the land ports, seaports and airports, through 15 control centers, to prevent the potential import of disease.
He said pilgrims receive ambulance services and treatment through hospitals deployed in Mecca, the holy places and Medina, where 25 hospitals exist, including four at Arafat, four at Mina, seven in the holy capital, nine at Medina, plus King Abdullah Medical City that has 5250 beds; 4200 in relevant parts, 500 at intensive care units and 550 for emergencies. 141 permanent and seasonal health centers at pilgrimage locations, including 43 at the Holy Capital, 80 at the holy locations, 46 at Arafat, six at pedestrian passages of Muzdalifah, 28 at Mena, and 12 health centers at Medina.
Khoshaim said all hospitals were equipped with gastrointestinal endoscopes and rental dialysis devices to treat patients onsite rather than transferring them to other hospitals.
Regarding the ambulance and emergency service, Dr. Khoshaim said 17 emergency centers are being operational at Jamarat Bridge to treat emergency cases. 80 big ambulances have been provided to transfer patients from health facilities at pilgrimage areas, and 95 small cars are available for field treatment. Every ambulance has a doctor and a nurse onboard.
He added that all the requirements including medications were distributed to hospitals at the holy places, saying a distribution plan was initiated on 1/11/1433H.
He added that all laboratory equipment and materials were provided for laboratory tests, standard samples program is being applied to ensure the accuracy of tests at health centers at hajj areas. High-tech laboratory devices are being used, he said, to detect the signs of heart attacks in no time. Additionally, a virus detection lab has been operated at the regional laboratory of Jeddah, and 16000 units of blood and blood products (of all groups) have been provided for use if need be.
He said a new hospital, at Eastern Arafat, has been inaugurated with a 236-bed capacity; 50 for intensive care and 30 for emergencies.
Concluding, Dr. Khoshaim said the Ministry of Health, by the grace of Allah and the support of the government of the Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, continues successfully offering diverse health services to pilgrims with the help of excellent medical, nursing and administrative staff. And he said the ministry’s facilities in Mecca and Medina received during the period of 1-7 Dhul Hijja 228,466 pilgrims, conducted 30 open-heart surgeries and 194 cardiac catheterizations.
He wished best health and happiness to all pilgrims and a safe return to home.