Providing healthcare to pilgrims is a top priority for the Government of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health operates at full capacity to ensure high-quality and free medical care for all pilgrims. This commitment is reflected in the scope and quality of services offered, including complex and specialized surgeries.
During the 1445 Hajj season (2024), over 142,000 pilgrims benefited from various healthcare services provided by health centers and hospitals from the beginning of Dhu al-Qi’dah until the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah. These services included 24 open-heart surgeries, 249 cardiac catheterizations, and 1,006 dialysis sessions. Additionally, 4,082 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals and medical centers to receive necessary care.
These figures illustrate the ongoing advancement in medical capabilities during Hajj seasons. In the 1444 Hajj season (2023), Medina alone recorded 124 surgeries for pilgrims of different nationalities, including 64 cardiac catheterizations, 4 open-heart surgeries, and 56 general surgeries. There were also 122 dialysis sessions provided, and over 4,700 pilgrims visited emergency departments, including critical care cases.
“Saving Lives” Program
Healthcare efforts extend beyond surgeries through pioneering programs and initiatives aimed at comprehensive care. One of the most notable is the “Saving Lives” program, implemented annually by the Ministry of Health. It offers specialized, free medical services including open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterizations, dialysis, endoscopy procedures, and other necessary interventions for pilgrims.
Emergency and field medicine services are also significantly reinforced. A modern ambulance fleet is deployed, featuring mobile intensive care units and fully equipped large ambulances for rapid response to emergencies. Dedicated facilities, such as the King Abdulaziz Center for Kidney Diseases in Medina, support vital services like dialysis and can accommodate dozens of sessions daily for pilgrims.
This comprehensive system is further enhanced by multi-language health education, as well as initiatives like the “Sick Pilgrims Convoy”, which transports hospitalized patients to the holy sites to enable them to perform their rituals. These efforts are powered by a massive workforce—approximately 29,000 healthcare, technical, and administrative staff as of 1438 (2017).
Digital Transformation, Health Sector
In parallel with the tremendous efforts in serving pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s health sector is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation. The goal is to restructure healthcare delivery to be more efficient, effective, and patient-centered. Digital health is a top priority under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, which aim to harness technology to improve healthcare quality and accessibility.
A cornerstone of this shift is the National e-Health Initiative, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare sector through information technology. It seeks to integrate all health information systems to create a unified electronic health record for every individual in the Kingdom.
This initiative has led to the development of a wide range of digital platforms and applications, including:
- “Sehhaty” (My Health): A comprehensive health services portal that allows appointment booking for various services, including COVID-19 testing, remote medical consultations, appointment management, access to e-prescriptions, and personal medical records.
- “Seha” (Health): The first platform specializing in remote medical consultations, enabling direct communication between patients and doctors.
- “Mawid” (Appointment): Allows users to easily schedule and manage appointments at primary healthcare centers under the Ministry of Health.
- Other specialized platforms:
- “Tatamman”: For monitoring COVID-19 cases.
- “Efada”: For issuing medical examination certificates for expatriates.
- “Wiqaya”: For health education and disease prevention.
Healthcare Services
These digital platforms have had a tangible positive impact on the healthcare sector. They have significantly improved access to care, especially in remote areas, enabling patients to receive immediate consultations without visiting healthcare facilities. They’ve reduced waiting times and travel costs, streamlined health data management, improved care coordination, and reduced medical errors. Additionally, they’ve played a key role in health awareness, disease prevention, and post-treatment follow-up.
The healthcare services provided during the Hajj season—including advanced surgical procedures—exemplify Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to offering the highest standards of care to pilgrims. Simultaneously, the accelerated digital transformation of the health sector reflects an ambitious vision for the future of healthcare in the Kingdom. By leveraging technology to enhance quality, efficiency, and accessibility, Saudi Arabia is serving both citizens and residents alike.
This integration of advanced direct care with innovative digital solutions positions the Kingdom as a global leader in healthcare services.
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