MINA: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel has announced the success of the health plan for this year’s Hajj season, revealing that the pilgrimage was free from disease outbreaks.
He attributed the success to early preparation and the integration among all government sectors, citing the more than 230 health facilities that provided medical services to pilgrims at the holy sites.
Around 130,000 pilgrims received health services, including 10 open-heart surgeries, 187 cardiac catheterizations and 447 dialysis sessions. The Virtual Health Hospital also served more than 2,000 pilgrims.
Over 25,000 health practitioners and 2,000 volunteers participated in carrying out health services, the minister added, with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority providing support in emergencies and air ambulances transporting injured pilgrims around the clock.
The minister affirmed that a limited number of COVID-19 cases, amounting to 38, were detected at the holy sites. Authorities dealt with all cases according to health protocols while enabling pilgrims to complete their journey.
