The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, on the MOH's success in controlling diseases and preventing the introduction of them from abroad, with the effect that the this year's Hajj season has been declare free from epidemic and pandemic diseases.
The telegram sent by WHO to Dr. Al-Rabeeah read, “This impressive success has been achieved thanks to the guidance of Allah in the first place, as well as the Ministry's cumulative experiences in the field of mass gathering medicine, in addition to the tremendous efforts made by MOH's officials, in cooperation with all other relevant authorities (the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard, and the Red Crescent Authority, among many other Saudi authorities). In doing so, the Ministry has sought to provide best-quality health services for pilgrims, notwithstanding the enormous increase of pilgrims.”
The WHO wished success for Dr. Al-Rabeeah, such that helps him serve his nation, under the prudent leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, May Allah protect them.
It is worth mentioning, in this regard, the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) has provided distinguished health services for pilgrims. The total of pilgrims who have received such services has mounted to 504.071. That's to be added 16066 pilgrims treated on place by field medical teams, whereas 4515 others have been hospitalized. This year has witnessed, also, performing more specific surgeries than those performed last year. The number of heart catheterization surgeries has amounted to 463 surgeries, in addition to 42 open-heart surgeries. The number of dialysis sessions is 3112, aside from 32 endoscopy operations and 10 birth-giving cases.
The Ministry has prepared, besides, 25 hospitals, with a total bed capacity of 5250 beds, out of which 9 hospitals are in Madinah, and 7 hospitals in Makkah, in addition King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC). Another 8 hospitals have been prepared in the Holy Sites, supported by 141 permanent and seasonal health centers (43 health centers in Makkah, 80 centers in the Holy Sites [distributed as such: 46 in Arafat, 6 overlooking Muzdalifah Footpath and 28 in Mina]), and 12 centers in Madinah. In addition, 20.000 physicians, nurses, technicians and administrative staff have been dedicated for pilgrims' service. Moreover, 16.000 units of blood and blood products have been provided, and 175 ambulances have been set ready for providing ambulatory services to diseased pilgrims, thus ensuring distinctive health healthcare throughout the Hajj sites.
The Ministry has also attracted a total of 320 consultants and specialist from all over the Kingdom, specialized in intensive care, emergency, cardiology and IC nursing, with a view to supporting the Holy Sites' health facilities.