Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — More than 450,000 domestic pilgrims registered at the e-portal of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah to perform the Haj pilgrimage this year. The registration process, which opened on May 29, closed on Tuesday.

The ministry said about 375,000 people have registered in the facilitated and low-cost Haj while more than 75,000 have chosen the general category.

Riyadh topped all cities and towns in the number of domestic pilgrims followed by Makkah and Dammam.

Through its e-portal, the ministry has enabled all pilgrims to review the services being extended by the local Haj companies and their prices so as to pick their choice based on their income and financial abilities.

Starting early July, the ministry will begin collecting the fees electronically and reserving the seats before issuing the pilgrims with the Haj permits.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabeea has said his ministry is determined to prepare all the health facilities in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites well in time before the arrival of pilgrims.

"We will supply these facilities with sufficient medical equipment, medicines and manpower," he said.

The minister on Tuesday inspected hospitals, health centers and clinics in Makkah and the holy sites to make sure that they are well prepared to provide medical care to the guests of God.

He instructed the medical staff to exert maximum efforts to ensure the well-being of pilgrims.

There are 25 general hospitals in Makkah and the holy sites, in addition to about 155 health centers, which together have more than 5,000 beds.

The ministry will also provide 180 ambulances consisting of 80 large and 100 small vehicles.