RIYADH: The Kingdom’s healthcare system is prepared for Hajj — one of its most demanding seasons of the year. From medical teams to supplies, preventative and response methods are in place to handle everything from heat exhaustion to illnesses across the holy sites.
Medical supply chain services company, National Unified Procurement Co., which is fully owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, has been working to streamline and improve medical procurement operations since 2009.
During Hajj, the company serves as the logistical backbone supporting healthcare supply operations across the holy sites, which in turn enables doctors and healthcare professionals to respond safely, quickly, and efficiently to all pilgrims’ needs.
Speaking to Arab News on the coordinated behind-the-scenes efforts that go into Hajj preparations, COO Fahad Al-Buthi said: “NUPCO coordinates closely with the Ministry of Health, forecasts demand, prepares pharmaceuticals, laboratory supplies, medical devices, and medical equipment, and positions stock near points of care. Once the season begins, operations move to real-time with live inventory monitoring, storage and transportation management, and responses to urgent requests throughout the Holy Sites.”
This year, the company is working with 127 healthcare facilities through their 129-person field team, 61 transport trucks and three mobile warehouses.
In addition to mobilization on the ground, the company is also utilizing digital monitoring technologies — “Virtual Care Vital Signs Kits” — giving access to teams who remotely monitor patient conditions in real time. The kits are used to report patient conditions by being connected to blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, thermometers, glucose meters, and ECG systems.
“It helps teams understand what is available, what is moving, and where pressure may be building, so resources can be directed more precisely, and healthcare teams can be supported with greater confidence throughout the season,” Al-Buthi explained.
“In simple terms, NUPCO helps healthcare teams focus on caring for pilgrims, while the supply chain behind them continues to operate reliably, even during the busiest days of Hajj,” he added.
While the behind-the-scenes operations of healthcare systems are in place to care for pilgrims, doctors say that preventative efforts and health awareness are just as crucial, especially as Hajj is densely crowded and the temperature at this time of year is particularly high.
Dr. Nasser M. AbuDujain, assistant consultant in family medicine and primary care at King Saud University Medical City, spoke to Arab News on the importance of precautionary measures, from vaccinations to early work-out preparations.
He noted that pilgrims are obliged to take the meningococcal vaccine at least 10 days before Hajj. He also highlighted the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations, which align with Saudi guidance, along with country-specific requirements such as polio or yellow fever vaccines.
To further minimize exposure to illness, AbuDujain said pilgrims are advised to wear masks when anticipating prolonged exposure to crowds, such as during Tawaf and Sa’i.
He also emphasized the importance of noting symptoms including shortness of breath, which he said should be countered by moving into well-ventilated areas and resting, and the prevalence of heat-related illness, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those with chronic medical conditions.
He listed several early signs to watch for, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, clammy skin, and a rapid pulse.
“When a pilgrim experiences these symptoms, they should promptly move to a shaded or cool area, rest, and begin cooling measures,” he said.
When matters escalate to symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness, immediate medical intervention is required, he stressed.
To help prevent medical emergencies from arising, AbuDujain advised all pilgrims to prepare physically before arrival in the Kingdom — even walking or gentle exercise can help reduce exhaustion and prevent musculoskeletal strain during Hajj.
“Elderly and frail pilgrims, as well as those with chronic or high-risk conditions — such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease or heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, asthma or COPD, chronic kidney disease (including dialysis), immunosuppression, active cancer therapy, pregnancy, cognitive impairment, or mobility limitations — require additional precautions before and during Hajj,” he noted. “They should undergo a comprehensive pre-Hajj medical assessment to optimize disease control and ensure fitness for travel.”
AbuDujain stressed that medical care during Hajj starts with oneself, and urged all participants to attain the help they need as soon as possible.
“Do not wait until you collapse to seek help,” he said. “Prioritize your health as part of your worship: pace yourself, stay well-hydrated, avoid direct exposure to heat, and take your medications as prescribed.”
