MADINAH — Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah is witnessing continuous arrivals of flights carrying pilgrims from all over the world.

Many of the pilgrims are keen to visit Madinah before performing the Hajj rituals to pay respect to the Prophet (pbuh) and pray in his mosque, and to visit other mosques and historical sites in the Prophet's City.

Authorities receive pilgrims at the airport with roses and dates, and their entry procedures proceed smoothly and efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Madinah Region has started implementing the operational plan for this year’s Hajj season.

Director General of SRCA branch in Madinah Dr. Ahmad bin Ali Al-Zahrani said that the plan entails providing emergency medical services to visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and as well as on roads leading to Madinah. He said the plan will be operational until Muharram 15, 1445 AH.

A total of 1,410 official and voluntary people have been deployed to serve the pilgrims.

Al-Zahrani said 45 emergency centers are taking part in implementing the plan, including 79 paramedic teams equipped with the latest vehicles, and 710 other people ready to carry out air ambulance services.

Al-Zahrani said the operational capacity of the Prophet's Mosque and the surrounding squares will be increased to keep pace with the rise in the number of worshippers. Some 700 volunteers are also working at the Prophet's Mosque.

He noted that the SRCA plan makes use of the region’s Command and Control Room and that medical services start from the moment they are required by people calling 997 or using the Asafny app.

The requests for medical help are then forwarded to the nearest ambulance team through the Emergency Medical Services Program for assessment and, if needed, transfer to the nearest hospital. — SPA