Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel said on Sunday that the Ministry of Health has offered over 1.3 million medical services to the pilgrims during the Hajj of 2024. He said that the number of mortalities among the pilgrims reached 1,301 due to heat stroke. Among these deceased pilgrims, 83 percent of them were unauthorized pilgrims. “The illegal pilgrims walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort. Among the deceased were several elderly and chronically ill individuals,” he said.
In a media interview, Al-Jalajel said that there were no outbreaks of epidemics or widespread diseases reported among pilgrims during the Hajj. He announced the successful execution of health management plan of the ministry during the Hajj season of 2024. Approximately 1.3 million preventive services were delivered, including early detection, vaccinations, and medical care upon arrival.
This achievement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the health system and the Hajj security forces. Notably, the health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who didn’t obtain Hajj permit to perform Hajj.
The minister reassured the overall health condition of the pilgrims, despite the high temperatures experienced in the Holy Sites. He highlighted the positive impact of the health authorities' swift response, and the effective support of the Hajj security forces in managing and reducing the effects of heat stress.
Al-Jalajel said the Saudi health authorities have addressed numerous cases of heat stroke this year, while some people are still undergoing treatment. The minister underscored the great efforts made by the competent authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of heat stress and the importance of preventive measures. He offered condolences over the deceased pilgrims, saying, “May God forgive and show mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences to their families. May God accept their deeds and grant them recompense for their suffering,” he said.
The minister said that all the reports have been compiled, families of the deceased have been notified about the mortalities and all the dead bodies were identified, despite the initial difficulties due to the lack of personal information or identification documents. Proper processes were followed for identification, burial of the death, and issuance of death certificates,” he said, adding that measures to combat heat stress included the development of devices that enable rapid and effective rescue of affected individuals.
Al-Jalajel also detailed that the Kingdom’s provision of free health services to pilgrims commenced even before their arrival, with awareness programs at airports, seaports, and land border crossing. The offered healthcare services included open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis, and emergency care, totaling over 30,000 ambulance services, with 95 air ambulance operations ensuring the delivery of advanced health services in medical cities across the Kingdom. Additionally, the healthcare system made available nearly 6,500 beds and rooms, the minister added.
