The Deputy Minister of Health for Supply and Engineering Affairs, Dr. Salah Al-Mazrou‘, has pointed out that all the required medical needs for the regions of Makkah and Madinah during this year's Hajj season, have been met, at a total cost of SR12 million. He also indicated that complete disinfection units, used in contingency, have been ensured and equipped in Makkah, as well as, a number of 1000 fully equipped anti-chemical pullution protection kits have been provided.
Within the same vein, Dr. Al-Mazrou‘ underlined that the treatment of sunstroke cases at sites, is to be kept on for the third consecutive year, through the special blankets that relieve sunstroke, and work to renormalize body temperature, in addition to providing refrigeration equipment, that will be distributed to the paramedics in the mobile field medicine cars throughout the Holy Sites. Moreover, he noted that 18 health facilities, which are the total of health facilities at the Holy Sites’ train, have been equipped and furnished with all medical and non-medical needs this year at the various train stations.
He added that the Ministry of Health (MOH) annually provides large quantities of seasonal influenza vaccine and meningitis vaccine .
Furthermore, on the transfer of medications from the Kingdom’s regions and governorates to the Holy Sites, Dr. Al-Mazrou‘ said, “The medications are annually allocated to the Holy Sites, and be paid before Hajj months. Also, two cars for transportation, keeping and delivery of drugs to the hospitals and health centers at the Holy Sites ,In addition to refrigerated vehicles equipped with medical solutions and emergency medications for medical emergency cases in each of Ajiad Hospital, Jamarat Bridge Hospital and Al-Me‘aisum Emergency Complex.”
Moreover, he revealed that the Kingdom is the largest importer of drugs in the region. Meanwhile, it gets a discount of 20% to 35% in the price, than its neighboring countries. In the same context, he lauded the role of Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in this area.
Finally, speaking of this year's Hajj season, Dr. Al-Mazrou‘ said: “Referential, delicate, qualitative and specialized medications, that are known to be paid only in specialized and advanced centers, will be provided this year’s hajj for the treatment of diseases and cases of the fourth –level intervention to save life.”