A Mobile Stroke Unit stationed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, operated by King Faisal Specialist Hospital, successfully saved the life of a Ugandan pilgrim who suffered a severe brain hemorrhage while inside the Holy Mosque. The pilgrim lost consciousness due to the bleeding, but thanks to rapid on-site diagnosis and immediate treatment, he was stabilized and then transferred to King Abdulaziz Hospital, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, to continue receiving specialized care.
This life-saving intervention reflects the Kingdom’s integrated healthcare system, which aims to provide high-quality, accessible services with maximum efficiency. It is in alignment with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both part of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to offer world-class healthcare and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and healthy environment.
This mobile unit is the only one of its kind in the Middle East, equipped with a fully staffed medical team that includes a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiology technician, and paramedic. It also features a CT scanner, significantly enhancing the unit’s capacity for rapid diagnosis and treatment.
The Ugandan pilgrim received critical care in just 16 minutes — one-sixth of the internationally recognized treatment window of 60 minutes. His condition has improved, and rehabilitation is ongoing to enable him to complete his pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system continues to provide comprehensive medical and preventive services to pilgrims through field teams and qualified staff, while intensifying health awareness efforts to promote preventive behavior and support the safe and smooth performance of Hajj rituals.