Latest news with #Al-Jalajel
Saudi Gazette
8 hours ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Minister Al-Jalajel discusses health cooperation with Australian counterpart
Saudi Gazette report CANBERRA — Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel met with the Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler in Canberra on Monday. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of healthcare, digital innovation, and investment in the pharmaceutical industry. During the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening health ties between the two countries and opening new horizons for cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Jalajel said that the Saudi healthcare sector is witnessing a qualitative transformation within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, focusing on prevention, patient empowerment, and the adoption of value-based care. He noted that the Saudi pharmaceutical and biotechnology market, valued at over $9 billion, represents a promising opportunity for strategic partnerships between the two countries. Trade in healthcare products between the two countries represents 14 percent of the Kingdom's total imports from Australia in 2024, he pointed out. Al-Jalajel also highlighted the Kingdom's leadership in digital health, including the launch of the world's largest virtual hospital, which has provided more than 50 million consultations. He emphasized that cooperation with Australia contributes to accelerating the global adoption of virtual healthcare technologies and building a more efficient, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare future. Al-Jalajel also held bilateral meeting with Blair Comley, secretary general of the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and Chair of the World Health Organization Executive Council. They discussed the council 's priorities, including digital healthcare transformation and workforce sustainability. The minister emphasized that the Kingdom's appointment as vice president of the Executive Council for the period 2025-2028 reflects its commitment to supporting international efforts to strengthen global health systems, prepare for pandemics, and ensure equitable access to medical innovations. The visit also included a roundtable discussion between the Kingdom's Ministry of Health and the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the exchange of digital expertise and the achievement of sustainable healthcare.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Health Minister Embarks on Visit to Australia
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel on Thursday embarked on a significant visit to Australia, with scheduled stops in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, according to Arab News. Al-Jalajel will hold a vast array of meetings with senior Australian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation and boost collaboration in health, innovation and health investment. During the visit, the Saudi delegation will explore cooperative opportunities in public health and healthcare digital transformation, attract investment opportunities, and foster partnerships between the Saudi and Australian health institutions. Moreover, the Saudi delegation will visit healthcare facilities and specialized research centers and meet leaders in the health and biology sectors to highlight advanced experiences and expertise exchange. These tours will further unleash new cooperation horizons in various spheres such as innovation, health technologies, medical coding as well as ambulatory services. Al-Jalajel will also meet with Saudi scholarship students specializing in healthcare. Related Topics: Minister of Health Honors KFSHRC with 2025 Model of Care Innovation Award The Saudi Minister of Health Warns: This is a Very Difficult Period Minister of Health Reviews Health Achievements in Budget Forum 2024 Short link :
Saudi Gazette
09-07-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia adopts World Drowning Prevention Day as national health priority
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has officially adopted World Drowning Prevention Day, marking July 25 of each year as a national observance dedicated to raising awareness and enhancing water safety, following a Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday. Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said the decision reflects the Kingdom's firm commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing avoidable injuries and deaths. He added that it aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a vibrant society and ensure the well-being of all residents. Al-Jalajel praised the efforts of national health and safety agencies in formulating and implementing the National Drowning Prevention Policy, which has helped reduce drowning-related fatalities by more than 17% per 100,000 people. This, he noted, has saved the Saudi economy approximately SR800 million, according to validated local and international reports. The minister emphasized that Saudi Arabia's adoption of this day is part of its broader 'Health in All Policies' approach. He said it reflects the Kingdom's global leadership in water safety, noting that the World Health Organization ranked Saudi Arabia first in 2024 among 140 countries for meeting the highest standards in water safety and rescue protocols. Al-Jalajel added that the health system will continue to implement preventive awareness campaigns and rapid response programs, while expanding collaboration with relevant sectors to ensure the highest standards of water safety whether in homes, recreational facilities, tourist destinations, or public beaches and swimming pools. He concluded by affirming that the ministry, in partnership with stakeholders, remains committed to promoting community awareness, developing preventive policies, and creating a safer, healthier environment for all.
Gulf Insider
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Reports Five Heat Exhaustion Cases Among Pilgrims, Urges Precautions Amid Soaring Temperatures
As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals. All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The country's National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year's Hajj season. According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent. In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. 'If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,' the post stated. The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate. In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year. Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 'Health efforts began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,' SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel. The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom's health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight. As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said. To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims. Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co. In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior. These were inaugurated 'alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,' Al-Jalajel told SPA. The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom's health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Roya News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Saudi Arabia reveals comprehensive safety plan for Hajj season 2025
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed Monday that the general health conditions among Hajj pilgrims remain reassuring, with no outbreaks or epidemic threats detected so far. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Jalajel detailed the Ministry's preparations for the Hajj season, including the deployment of 11 air ambulance aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 medical points across the holy sites. Three field hospitals with a combined capacity of over 1,200 beds have been set up in coordination with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and the National Guard. Additionally, a new emergency hospital with more than 200 beds has been established in Mina, raising the overall hospital bed capacity by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel also revealed that critically ill pilgrims have been equipped with smart sensor devices linked to the Virtual Health Hospital—the largest of its kind globally—allowing remote monitoring of their conditions. So far, over 50,000 health services have been delivered through 14 land, air, and sea entry points, with 140 surgeries and 65 cardiac catheterizations performed. The minister stressed that pilgrims' adherence to preventive guidelines is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage. To mitigate heat stress, the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, installed 400 water dispensers, and placed misting fans across key locations. In related announcements, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said rubberized and cooled walkways have been expanded, and drones are being used to monitor pilgrim movement.
