The Ministry of Health (MOH) has intensified its preparations for potential heat exhaustion and sunstrokes this year, since Hajj Season coincides with high temperatures. Several health facilities in Makkah, Madinah and holy sires have been geared up to treat heat exhaustion and sunstroke cases. Also, all sunstroke appliances, already secured over previous seasons, have been upgraded. Likewise, a considerable number of spraying fans have been supplied, as they have proven effective in dealing with heat exhaustion and sunstroke cases. All health facilities have installed these fans.
According to MOH, many training courses and workshop have been held for field staff in such facilities to enable them to handle heat exhaustion and sunstroke cases, to treat and to carry them.
Moreover, MOH is currently coordinating with all stakeholders to educate all pilgrims on the best practices to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstrokes, through medical convoys and various carriers in different languages. An awareness program for both local and foreign pilgrims is also in place eo brief them on how to handle heat exhaustion and sunstroke cases.
In the same vein, to provide excellent integrated medical service to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah (PBUH), MOH has prepared many hospitals and healthcare centers in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites. 25 hospitals have been geared up (4 in Arafat, 4 in Mina, 7 in Makkah, 9 in Madinah, as well as King Abdullah Medical City), with 5000 inpatient beds, including 500 for ICU and 550 for emergency), in addition to the Holy Mosque’s hospital for emergency cases.
They are supplemented by 155 permanent and seasonal health centers across Hajj rites, including 43 health centers in Makkah, 78 in holy sites, (46 in Arafat, 6 in Muzdalifah pedestrian walkway, 26 in Mina), and 18 centers in Madinah.