Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector has once again demonstrated its capacity and preparedness as the Kingdom manages an influx of medical needs arising from the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage, with zero fatalities recorded so far. The Ministry of Health, in a statement monitored, confirmed that only five cases of heat exhaustion had been reported since the commencement of the Hajj season, and all patients have fully recovered following swift medical intervention.
This outcome underscores the Kingdom’s solid commitment to the health and safety of the millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world to fulfill one of Islam’s most sacred obligations. Authorities attributed this success to the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, two major national initiatives designed to elevate the quality of care and ensure that every pilgrim’s health needs are met efficiently and with compassion.
As Hajj 1446 progresses, the volume of medical services provided continues to rise, reflecting both the scale of the pilgrimage and the responsiveness of the Saudi healthcare system. According to figures obtained by KIIN360, over 78,000 medical services have been delivered to pilgrims across various medical establishments. Primary healthcare centres alone have received more than 46,000 visitors seeking consultations and general medical support.
In the same period, emergency departments have treated around 17,000 cases, while outpatient clinics have logged over 860 consultations. These figures reflect the wide accessibility and readiness of the health facilities spread across the holy sites in Mecca, Mina, Arafat, and Medina.
More critically, over 3,000 pilgrims have been admitted into hospitals during the course of the pilgrimage, with more than 1,600 of those cases requiring intensive care. Despite the complexity of some health emergencies, medical teams have managed to perform eight open-heart surgeries and conducted 104 cardiac catheterisation procedures, all within the Hajj window, an impressive feat that highlights the sophistication and capability of the Kingdom’s health infrastructure.
The Ministry of Health’s dedicated 937 Health Call Centre has responded to more than 27,000 medical inquiries and consultation requests, offering immediate guidance and support to pilgrims in need. The centre operates around the clock and is staffed by trained professionals who are able to provide real-time assistance in multiple languages.
The Ministry of Health has assured that healthcare services will continue operating at full capacity throughout the remainder of the Hajj season. This pledge forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to upholding public health standards, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
As the pilgrimage progresses, the Kingdom’s ability to combine modern medical science with efficient service delivery has once again reaffirmed its position as a capable and responsible host of the annual Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
