Saudi Gazette report

MINA — Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel stated that a limited number of 38 coronavirus cases were recorded at the Holy Sites, without reporting any secondary cases. “All cases were dealt with in accordance with the health protocols, and the ministry has facilitated the Hajj missions of these pilgrims to complete their pilgrimage,” he said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Jalajel announced the success of the health plan for this year’s Hajj, citing that it is free from outbreaks or other effects on public health. “In light of the great support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman; I am pleased to announce the success of Hajj health plans for this year. This Hajj season is a reflection of the integration among all government sectors featuring early preparations,” he said.

He said that more than 230 health facilities across all health sectors have provided services to pilgrims and this shows the keenness of King Salman to maintain the health and safety of the pilgrims. “This is through medical points at Mashair and Haramain trains, the central Haram area of the Grand Mosque, and all Holy Sites, with the aim of providing all primary care services, and specialized medical services for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims,” he said.

The minister said that more than 25,000 health practitioners and 2,000 volunteers took part in implementing the ministry’s health plans. “The number of pilgrims who received health services accounted for about 130,000, with carrying out 10 open-heart surgeries and more than 187 cardiac catheterization procedures, in addition to 447 dialysis sessions. The Virtual Health Hospital served more than 2,000 pilgrims,” he said.

Al-Jalajel pointed out that the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) provided support to emergency cases and air ambulance services to transport injured pilgrims around the clock, as air ambulance cases accounted for more than 17 cases at a rate of 29 minutes. The minister lauded the role of all government sectors as well as the integration in providing various services, which had a significant role in the ministry’s successful Hajj health plans.