Latest news with #FahadAl-Jalajel
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- 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.
Leaders
5 days ago
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Elected as WHO Executive Board Vice-Chair
Saudi Arabia has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for the term 2025-2028, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Kingdom took part in the WHO Executive Board's first meeting of the 157th session in Geneva, Switzerland, after the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly. During the 78th session, Saudi Arabia was elected as WHO Executive Board Vice-Chair based upon the decision of the World Health Assembly. The Assembly elected Australia as the Executive Board Chair, as well as Norway, Togo and Thailand as Vice-Chairs. The Executive Board includes 34 members representing WHO member states. It plays a pivotal role in implementing the decisions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly. Moreover, it oversees priority health programs and policies regionally and internationally. The election of Saudi Arabia as Vice-Chair of WHO Executive Board underscores the growing international confidence in the Kingdom's status and influential role in enhancing global public health and its firm commitment to supporting WHO's efforts to address health challenges. The undersecretary for international cooperation at the Saudi Ministry of Health, Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, led the Kingdom's delegation to the meeting, on behalf of the Saudi Health Minister, Fahad Al-Jalajel. The Saudi delegation reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening international cooperation to achieve global health security and build a more sustainable future. Short link : Post Views: 4
Mid East Info
05-05-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Bupa CareConnect Wins Two Honors at the CHI Excellence Awards - Middle East Business News and Information
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance has announced that its healthcare arm, Bupa CareConnect, has won two prestigious awards at the third edition of the Saudi Council of Health Insurance (CHI) Excellence Awards 2024, affirming its leadership in digital healthcare innovation and sustainable healthcare practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The high-profile awards ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Fahad Al-Jalajel, Minister of Health, and convened senior healthcare executives, policymakers, and innovators from across the Kingdom and the broader region. Driving Healthcare Innovation in Saudi Arabia: Bupa CareConnect was awarded in two categories: 'Innovative Sustainability for Private Providers' and 'Digital Innovation in Healthcare for Private Providers.' These accolades highlight the company's pioneering efforts to harness cutting-edge technologies and deliver patient-centric solutions that align with the health and well-being priorities of Saudi Vision 2030. 'This recognition reaffirms our belief that impactful healthcare begins with innovation rooted in human needs,' said Tal Nazer, CEO of Bupa Arabia. 'We're proud to lead this transformation and extend our gratitude to every member of our Digital Clinic team and our partners who contributed to this success.' Nazer added the company aims to create a holistic, patient-first experience powered by digital tools, greater flexibility, and seamless accessibility—without the need for pre-approvals. 'We are redefining access to healthcare by making it seamless, personalized, and responsive,' he stated. He also commended the CHI for its efforts in promoting a sector-wide culture of excellence through a national platform that recognizes innovation and value-based care. Pioneering Virtual Healthcare: Bupa Arabia's Digital Clinics have become a benchmark for virtual healthcare delivery, offering real-time consultations across more than 10 specialties and enhanced user experiences powered by AI-driven claims processing and smart digital platforms. These innovations enable patients to navigate their healthcare journeys more efficiently while expanding sustainable access to high-quality care. 'This award is a tribute to the commitment and compassion of our medical professionals, who are at the heart of everything we do,' said Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, Executive Medical Director of Bupa CareConnect. 'It motivates us to continue elevating standards in preventive, tech-enabled healthcare.' The recognition further solidifies Bupa CareConnect's position as the Kingdom's leading provider of virtual consultations, reflecting its ongoing commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, agility, and data-driven insight. Market Leadership and Continued Recognition: Bupa Arabia has a long-standing track record of excellence at the CHI Excellence Awards. In 2023, the company secured six awards, including Health Insurer of the Year, Best Customer Experience, and Digital Excellence, along with individual honors such as CEO of the Year, Women Leader of the Year, and Young Achiever of the Year. Its reputation extends beyond national borders. At the Golden Shield of Excellence Awards during the InsurTech Middle East 2024 Conference, Bupa Arabia was named 'Best Health Insurance Company of 2024' and 'Best Insurance Brand.' These accolades affirm the company's status as the largest health insurer in Saudi Arabia, commanding a 32% market share and reporting net profits exceeding SAR 1.166 billion in 2024, marking a 24.02% year-on-year growth. Looking Ahead: Bupa Arabia remains focused on shaping the future of healthcare in the Kingdom by continuing to invest in innovation, support community health initiatives, and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being—advancing Saudi Arabia's journey toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient healthcare system. The CHI Excellence Awards serve as a national platform for celebrating outstanding contributions to Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector, promoting a culture of continuous innovation, quality, and value-based care in alignment with the Kingdom's strategic vision. About Bupa Arabia: Bupa Arabia was originated in kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1997 as a partnership between Global Bupa and Nazer group to become a contributive corporation in 2008 with the most successful allotment procedure in the insurance sector, and Bupa is considered a Saudi corporation that is part of the Bupa global network, and it provides healthcare services with international standards for individuals and families and for biggest companies and organizations in the kingdom, and its distinguished for providing the biggest international hospitals network including 1.2 million destination in 190 countries around the world. And Bupa provides more than the regular insurance in which it established Bupa healthcare to provide healthcare services using the latest technological means due to Bupa's digital clinic and to having Saudi doctors in different majors such as family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and chronic disease care. Bupa is distinguished with an environment that increases productivity and stimulates creativity, which had it qualified to win several prestigious awards in the field and its considered one of the leading companies in enhancing women status, and having Saudi youth until it succeeded in getting a significant increase in localization percentages to more than xx%. For more information, please visit the link below:
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Transplant Congress discusses scientific advancements and innovations on organ donation and transplantation
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Experts and specialists from within the Kingdom and abroad are discussing the latest scientific developments and modern technologies of organ donation and transplantation at the Saudi Transplant Congress, which began in Riyadh on Tuesday. The three-day event is being held under the patronage of Minister of Health and Chairman of the Saudi Health Council Fahad Al-Jalajel. The conference is organized by the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT). The conference aims to enhance awareness about the importance of organ donation and increase participation rates in a way that consolidates the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in this vital field. It reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing the donation and organ transplantation domain, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program. The conference will also showcase the latest medical and digital technologies and innovations that enhance the effectiveness and safety of organ transplantation procedures. Additionally, the conference aims to build strategic local and international partnerships, discuss ethical and legal aspects, and develop supportive policies and legislation.
Leaders
28-04-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Stride into Health: Saudi Launches 'Walk 30' Public Fitness Drive
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel spearheaded a community walk at Riyadh's Sports Boulevard on Saturday, marking the launch of the Walk 30 public health campaign. The initiative aims to boost physical activity nationwide, targeting a minimum of 150 weekly minutes per participant. Al-Jalajel emphasized that Walk 30 tackles sedentary lifestyles, a critical health issue affecting over 80% of Saudis. The program promotes walking 30 minutes daily to foster lasting behavioral changes, reduce chronic disease risks, and enhance overall well-being. Surpassing National Fitness Milestones Recent data reveals promising progress: 58.5% of Saudi adults now meet the 150-minute weekly activity goal, exceeding 2024 targets. Meanwhile, 18.7% of youth achieve the recommended 60 daily minutes of exercise. These efforts align with Vision 2030's life expectancy target of 80 years, with current averages rising to 78.8 years. 'Walk 30, now in its fifth season, serves as a cornerstone of our health transformation under Vision 2030,' Al-Jalajel stated. He highlighted that consistent walking slashes heart disease risk by 30% and stroke likelihood by 40%. With summer temperatures rising, Al-Jalajel urged residents to prioritize evening walks, hydration, and shaded areas. He also showcased the Healthy Mall program, operational since 2019, which converts shopping centers into air-conditioned walking tracks with water stations and nutritious dining options. Authorities transformed malls into vibrant fitness spaces, offering safe environments for families to walk year-round. The initiative now spans multiple cities, reflecting growing public enthusiasm for accessible health solutions. Global Ambitions for Walk 30 Success Al-Jalajel revealed plans to expand Walk 30 internationally, citing collaboration with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during its fourth season. 'Our seasonal programs—from winter to summer—can inspire global partnerships,' he said, underscoring Saudi Arabia's leadership in scalable health innovations. Building on this momentum, Walk 30 continues to unite communities, proving that small daily steps can drive transformative national change. Short link : Post Views: 1
