The Saudi government has revealed that it provided preventive medical services including early detection, vaccinations and medical care upon arrival to more than 1.3 million pilgrims, out of a total of 1.8 million, who attended Hajj 2024 this year. .
In a media interview, Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jajel said the Kingdom's health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who did not obtain official permission to perform the Hajj.
The minister further highlighted that his health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, and some people are still under care.
The achievement, according to the minister, was possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of the health system and the Hajj security forces that ensured that no outbreaks of epidemics or widespread diseases were recorded.
Al-Jajel further revealed that the services provided by the Kingdom also included open heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis and emergency care, totaling more than 30,000 ambulance services, with 95 air ambulance operations ensuring the provision of advanced health services in medical cities across the country. the country.
In addition, the country's health system made some 6,500 beds and rooms available.
Addressing the victims during this year's pilgrimage, the official acknowledged that 1,301 people lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj, of whom 83% were not authorized to perform the pilgrimage in the first place and had to walk long distances under the direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort.
“May God forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our deepest condolences to their families. May God accept their actions and grant them reward for their suffering,” said the minister.
“All reports have been compiled, families of the deceased have been notified and identification has been completed, despite the initial lack of personal information or identification documents. Appropriate processes were followed for identification, burial and the honor of the deceased, and death certificates were provided,” he added. .
