Makkah Health Cluster has launched the “Safe Heart Zone” at the Grand Mosque under the supervision of King Abdullah Medical City to enhance rapid response to cardiac emergencies and strengthen readiness for immediate life-saving interventions. The initiative is implemented under the Pilgrim Experience Program to improve access to specialized healthcare services and enhance their quality, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programs, aimed at building a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.
The project includes 10 cardiac intensive care beds and a specialized team of 30 qualified healthcare professionals. It provides interventional cardiology services through a mobile cardiac catheterization laboratory at Al-Haram Hospital, as well as advanced mechanical circulatory support for critically ill patients, including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). The project also provides interventional cardiology supplies, such as coronary stents, specialized medications, and follows approved clinical pathways for post-catheterization care and patient referral in accordance with established protocols.
The initiative aims to achieve the highest standards in the treatment of heart attacks by reducing treatment times and accelerating response to critical cardiac cases during peak periods in Ramadan and Hajj. It also strengthens integration across the regional health system by receiving cases transported by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, in addition to referrals from healthcare facilities within the Grand Mosque area and three nearby medical centers.
The initiative is part of the health sector’s efforts to achieve the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program by developing innovative models of advanced healthcare and strengthening the readiness of specialized services in high-density areas.