Minister of Health H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel affirmed the health sector’s full readiness for the Hajj 1447H season, stating that the healthcare system has been operating under a proactive and integrated approach since the end of the previous Hajj season to provide healthcare services that accompany pilgrims from their home countries until their safe return, enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and reassuring environment.
Speaking at the government press conference held today in Riyadh, H.E. AlJalajel said that Saudi Arabia’s service to the Guests of Allah is rooted in a long-standing legacy established by the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz, and carried forward by successive Saudi leaders. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom continues to enhance the Hajj system and improve its services year after year, making the Hajj season a global model of excellence in serving humanity.
The Minister praised the integrated efforts of government entities under the supervision of the Supreme Hajj Committee, chaired by the Minister of Interior, emphasizing that this collaboration reflects the high level of coordination across sectors in serving pilgrims.
He noted that Hajj is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings within a short period and a limited geographical area, requiring exceptional health preparedness and rapid response. This year’s healthcare capacity exceeds 20,000 hospital beds, including more than 3,800 beds in the Holy Sites, in addition to expanding the capacity of Mina Emergency Hospital (2) to strengthen the ability to respond to various health cases during the season.
H.E. AlJalajel added that urgent care services have expanded significantly, with the number of urgent care centers increasing to 25, more than tripling previous capacity. This expansion supports faster access to healthcare and enhances emergency field response. Ambulance services are supported by a fleet of more than 3,000 emergency vehicles and ambulances, as well as 11 air ambulance aircraft. Healthcare services are delivered by 7,700 paramedics and more than 52,000 healthcare practitioners serving pilgrims across all locations.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in mass gatherings medicine, noting that the World Health Organization has designated the Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine as a WHO Collaborating Centre, reflecting the Kingdom’s advanced expertise in managing healthcare services for large-scale gatherings according to the highest international standards.
The Minister also stated that the health system will continue to perform advanced robotic surgeries during this year’s Hajj season while expanding specialized healthcare services using the latest medical technologies. These include virtual healthcare services through Seha Virtual Hospital in Riyadh, increased use of drones to transport medical samples and medications, and smart wearable devices that enable eligible pilgrims to monitor their vital signs remotely while receiving urgent care and health guidance, helping them complete their pilgrimage safely.
He emphasized that the Kingdom’s healthcare services during Hajj represent an advanced model that combines humanitarian values, organizational excellence, institutional integration, and modern technologies to ensure pilgrims perform their rituals with peace of mind and return home with a healthcare experience that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the Guests of Allah.
The Minister concluded by stressing that prevention remains the cornerstone of protecting pilgrims’ health during Hajj. He urged pilgrims to follow health guidance and preventive measures, noting that their health and safety remain the health sector’s highest priority and that pilgrims’ awareness and commitment are essential partners in ensuring a safe and healthy Hajj experience.