Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofHealth
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia bars 269,000 from Makkah over Hajj permit violations to prevent overcrowding
Medical team members evacuate a Muslim pilgrim, affected by the scorching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage on June 15, 2024. PHOTO: AFP Listen to article Saudi authorities have barred over 269,000 individuals from entering Mecca without the required permits ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, officials announced on Sunday. The move is part of tightened efforts to manage crowds and prevent repeat tragedies linked to unauthorised pilgrims. Authorities say permit violations have historically contributed to overcrowding, often leading to fatalities. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died, many of them unregistered, as temperatures soared to a record 51.8°C. As Hajj officially begins this week, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported it has already treated 44 cases of heatstroke, with 1.4 million pilgrims having arrived in the kingdom so far. Although extreme temperatures are not forecast to reach last year's peak, they are expected to exceed 40°C during the pilgrimage. Deputy Health Minister Abdullah Asiri told AFP that officials were preparing for the "worst-case scenario." 'The focus is on heat-related illnesses because the Hajj coincides with extreme temperatures,' he said. In anticipation of potential health emergencies, the ministry has mobilised 50,000 medical and administrative personnel and allocated over 700 hospital beds equipped with ventilators for critical cases. Hajj is one of Islam's five pillars and is a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The pilgrimage this year coincides with Eid al-Adha, which will be observed on 6 June. The holiday commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command. As Saudi Arabia enforces stricter regulations and boosts health infrastructure, officials are urging pilgrims to comply with safety measures to ensure a secure and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Saudi health ministry speeds up Hajj meds delivery using drones
MAKKAH: The Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Saudi Ministry of Health has dramatically reduced the time required to deliver medications across Hajj sites from over an hour to just six minutes, thanks to the use of drones. This innovation marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare logistics and ensuring timely medical support for millions of pilgrims. Previously, delivering medication to specific Hajj locations could take up to one hour and twenty minutes. By deploying drones this year, the ministry has reduced this time to just six minutes. 'This technological advancement is a game-changer,' said an official during a foreign media visit to the Centre at Mina on Sunday, highlighting how the initiative aligns with the kingdom's commitment to enhancing healthcare services during one of the world's largest annual gatherings. The Health Emergency Operations Centre functions 24/7 and integrates real-time data from multiple hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services. All information flows in real time through electronic systems such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS), allowing healthcare teams to make swift, informed decisions. 'This is an all-digital, fully integrated system,' an official explained. 'Every service provider, from the Ministry of Health to the Red Crescent Authority to private healthcare partners, is linked. Having everyone in the same room at the same time ensures coordinated decision-making and rapid responses.' As of June 1, the ministry reported that more than 81,000 healthcare services had been delivered to pilgrims since the beginning of the Hajj season for the year 1446 AH. The Health Emergency Operations Centre also supports public health monitoring, risk assessment, and rapid escalation when needed. In addition, pilgrims can call the 97 local number for health-related queries, where they will be connected directly to the most suitable service. The Unified Security Operations Centre (911), which works closely with the ministry, answers calls in under two seconds and relays reports to specialised teams within 45 seconds. The system can handle calls in nearly all global languages, ensuring that every pilgrim, regardless of nationality, receives the support they need. As the temperature rises during Hajj, health officials are urging pilgrims to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. 'My advice to all pilgrims is: rest when you can, stay out of direct sunlight, use umbrellas, drink plenty of water.. and enjoy your Hajj,' the official said. This comprehensive and well-coordinated effort, led by the Ministry of Health, aims to ensure pilgrims' access to high-quality medical care, strengthen the readiness of preventive and rapid response systems, and safeguard the health and safety of all pilgrims. These services are part of the kingdom's broader health vision under the Health Sector Transformation Programme and the Pilgrim Experience Programme – two key initiatives stemming from Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to provide exceptional healthcare that ensures the well-being and comfort of pilgrims as they perform their religious duties safely and with ease. Data released by the Ministry of Health indicates that nearly 49,000 pilgrims have received care at primary healthcare centres, while emergency departments have handled over 19,000 cases. Outpatient clinics have received nearly 1,000 patients, and more than 3,500 individuals have been admitted to hospitals, including 1,730 to intensive care units. In addition, the healthcare system has successfully handled 120 cardiac catheterisation procedures and 11 open-heart surgeries. Meanwhile, field medical teams have responded swiftly and efficiently to 25 cases of heat exhaustion. The healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity, guided by proactive planning and a fully integrated network of high-quality services. With the integration of drones, AI-powered decision-making, and 24-hour service, Saudi Arabia's health and security teams are demonstrating a new level of preparedness and inn
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Hajj meds delivery sped up using drones
MAKKAH: The Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Saudi Ministry of Health has dramatically reduced the time required to deliver medications across Hajj sites from over an hour to just six minutes, thanks to the use of drones. This innovation marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare logistics and ensuring timely medical support for millions of pilgrims. Previously, delivering medication to specific Hajj locations could take up to one hour and twenty minutes. By deploying drones this year, the ministry has reduced this time to just six minutes. 'This technological advancement is a game-changer,' said an official during a foreign media visit to the Centre at Mina on Sunday, highlighting how the initiative aligns with the kingdom's commitment to enhancing healthcare services during one of the world's largest annual gatherings. The Health Emergency Operations Centre functions 24/7 and integrates real-time data from multiple hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services. All information flows in real time through electronic systems such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS), allowing healthcare teams to make swift, informed decisions. 'This is an all-digital, fully integrated system,' an official explained. 'Every service provider, from the Ministry of Health to the Red Crescent Authority to private healthcare partners, is linked. Having everyone in the same room at the same time ensures coordinated decision-making and rapid responses.' As of June 1, the ministry reported that more than 81,000 healthcare services had been delivered to pilgrims since the beginning of the Hajj season for the year 1446 AH. The Health Emergency Operations Centre also supports public health monitoring, risk assessment, and rapid escalation when needed. In addition, pilgrims can call the 97 local number for health-related queries, where they will be connected directly to the most suitable service. The Unified Security Operations Centre (911), which works closely with the ministry, answers calls in under two seconds and relays reports to specialised teams within 45 seconds. The system can handle calls in nearly all global languages, ensuring that every pilgrim, regardless of nationality, receives the support they need. As the temperature rises during Hajj, health officials are urging pilgrims to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. 'My advice to all pilgrims is: rest when you can, stay out of direct sunlight, use umbrellas, drink plenty of water.. and enjoy your Hajj,' the official said. This comprehensive and well-coordinated effort, led by the Ministry of Health, aims to ensure pilgrims' access to high-quality medical care, strengthen the readiness of preventive and rapid response systems, and safeguard the health and safety of all pilgrims. These services are part of the kingdom's broader health vision under the Health Sector Transformation Programme and the Pilgrim Experience Programme – two key initiatives stemming from Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to provide exceptional healthcare that ensures the well-being and comfort of pilgrims as they perform their religious duties safely and with ease. Data released by the Ministry of Health indicates that nearly 49,000 pilgrims have received care at primary healthcare centres, while emergency departments have handled over 19,000 cases. Outpatient clinics have received nearly 1,000 patients, and more than 3,500 individuals have been admitted to hospitals, including 1,730 to intensive care units. In addition, the healthcare system has successfully handled 120 cardiac catheterisation procedures and 11 open-heart surgeries. Meanwhile, field medical teams have responded swiftly and efficiently to 25 cases of heat exhaustion. The healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity, guided by proactive planning and a fully integrated network of high-quality services. With the integration of drones, AI-powered decision-making, and 24-hour service, Saudi Arabia's health and security teams are demonstrating a new level of preparedness and inn
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Digital medical consultation services now available 24/7 for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH, May 31: The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH), through the Seha Virtual Hospital, has activated a comprehensive package of digital medical consultation services for pilgrims during this year's Hajj season. These services offer instant medical consultations around the clock via the unified number 937, the Sehaty app, and the X platform, available in seven languages. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the instant consultation services support Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, and Indonesian. This linguistic diversity ensures effective and flexible communication with pilgrims from various nationalities. The service allows pilgrims to access audio, video, or text-based medical consultations, submit medical reports or test results, and receive electronic prescriptions when necessary. Pilgrims log in using their border registration number, enabling a seamless and comprehensive digital health experience. These digital health services are designed to facilitate easy access to healthcare anytime and anywhere, aligning with the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Serving Guests of God Program under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The initiatives aim to enhance quality of life and provide integrated, safe healthcare services for pilgrims. The Seha Virtual Hospital supports more than 300 permanent and temporary healthcare centers in Makkah and Madinah, as well as Hajj campaign headquarters, through its 'Consult Plus' service available in Arabic and English. This platform delivers immediate medical advice, aiding field personnel, expediting medical decision-making, and elevating the quality of care provided to pilgrims. These developments reflect the Saudi Ministry of Health's dedication to advancing digital health technologies and improving services for pilgrims. By leveraging modern technologies, the Ministry strives to ensure rapid response times and high-quality healthcare throughout the Hajj season, in line with the highest international standards.
Leaders
22-05-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Hypertension Hits One in Four Saudis: A Silent Threat on the Rise
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects 24.5% of adults aged 18 and older in Saudi Arabia. This alarming statistic highlights the growing prevalence of this condition, which is often referred to as the 'silent killer' due to its lack of noticeable symptoms. If untreated, hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. Gender and Age Disparities in Treatment Access A recent study conducted by the Saudi Ministry of Health revealed notable disparities in hypertension treatment access between genders. Women receiving treatment for high blood pressure reached 57%, compared to only 41% among men. Additionally, treatment rates increased with age, starting at 18% for individuals aged 30-39 and peaking at 81% for those aged 70-79. The study also uncovered significant regional differences in treatment coverage across Saudi Arabia. The southwestern region of Al Baha recorded the highest treatment coverage rate at 87%, followed by Najran at 77%, Riyadh at 63%, and Mecca at 59%. These disparities underscore the need for targeted healthcare interventions in underserved areas. Risk Factors and Lifestyle Challenges Hypertension risk factors include older age, genetics, obesity, lack of physical activity, high-salt diets, and excessive alcohol consumption. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and healthier eating habits, are critical for reducing the prevalence of hypertension. Despite awareness campaigns, many Saudis struggle to adopt these preventive measures. The rising prevalence of hypertension in Saudi Arabia demands urgent action. Public health initiatives should focus on increasing awareness, improving access to treatment, and promoting lifestyle modifications. By addressing these challenges, Saudi Arabia can reduce the burden of hypertension and improve the overall health of its population. Short link : Post Views: 25
