The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has provided over 1.3 million medical services to pilgrims during the Hajj of 2024. Unfortunately, there were 1,301 mortalities among the pilgrims, with 83 percent of them being unauthorized. Many of these deceased pilgrims suffered from heat stroke due to walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter. Despite this, there were no reported outbreaks of epidemics or widespread diseases among the pilgrims during the Hajj season.
Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel highlighted the successful execution of the health management plan during the Hajj season, with approximately 1.3 million preventive services delivered. These services included early detection, vaccinations, and medical care upon arrival. The health system provided over 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who did not obtain Hajj permits.
Al-Jalajel praised the coordinated efforts of the health system and Hajj security forces in ensuring the overall health condition of the pilgrims. Despite the high temperatures experienced in the Holy Sites, the health authorities swiftly responded to cases of heat stroke and provided effective support to reduce its effects. Awareness about the dangers of heat stress and the importance of preventive measures was also raised among the pilgrims.
The Saudi health authorities have addressed numerous cases of heat stroke during the Hajj season, with some individuals still undergoing treatment. The minister emphasized the efforts made to identify the deceased pilgrims, notify their families, and provide proper burial and issuance of death certificates. Measures to combat heat stress included the development of devices for rapid and effective rescue of affected individuals.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided free health services to pilgrims even before their arrival, with awareness programs at airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These services included open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis, and emergency care. Nearly 6,500 beds and rooms were made available, along with over 30,000 ambulance services and 95 air ambulance operations ensuring the delivery of advanced health services in medical cities across the Kingdom.
Overall, Minister Al-Jalajel expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased pilgrims and hoped for God’s forgiveness and mercy upon them. He praised the efforts of the competent authorities in managing and reducing the effects of heat stress during the Hajj season. The successful execution of the health management plan and the provision of preventive and specialized medical services to pilgrims were key factors in ensuring the overall health and well-being of the pilgrims during the holy pilgrimage.
