Healthcare During Hajj: 2.5 Million Services Without Epidemics
The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia successfully completed medical services for the 2026 Hajj season, providing more than 2.5 million services without registered outbreaks of diseases among pilgrims.
Scale of Medical Services for Pilgrims
During the 2026 Hajj season, medical teams in Saudi Arabia demonstrated an unprecedented scale of healthcare organization. More than 2.5 million medical services were provided to pilgrims from the beginning of the season until the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (May 29). Data shows that 114,889 individuals received assistance at outpatient centers and urgent care facilities, while emergency departments handled 58,462 cases. Clinics treated 29,846 patients, and 8,342 individuals were hospitalized.
Innovative Technologies in Medical Services
The 2026 Hajj was the first season when Saudi Arabia deployed advanced medical technologies on such a wide scale. Drones were used for the rapid delivery of vital medicines and equipment to pilgrims in remote locations. Specialized surgeons utilized medical robotics to perform complex surgeries, including 323 heart catheterizations and 33 open-heart surgeries. Smartwatches remotely monitored the vital signs of high-risk pilgrims, ensuring continuous monitoring of their condition.
Prevention and 24/7 Support
In addition to treatment, health authorities conducted intensive education and prevention campaigns, providing more than 292,585 preventive services. The unified call center 937 received over one million calls, offering 24/7 medical and consultation support in seven languages. This enabled pilgrims to receive qualified advice at any time of day, regardless of language barriers. The absence of registered epidemiological outbreaks or public health threats confirms the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medical services were provided during Hajj 2026?
The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia provided more than 2.5 million medical services to pilgrims from the start of the season until May 29, including outpatient treatment, emergency care, hospitalization, and specialized surgical procedures.
What innovative technologies were used in serving pilgrims?
During the 2026 Hajj season, drones were used for the delivery of medications, medical robotics for complex surgeries, and smartwatches for remote monitoring of the vital signs of high-risk pilgrims.
Were there any registered epidemiological outbreaks during Hajj 2026?
No, the Ministry of Health confirmed that there were no registered outbreaks of epidemics or public health threats among pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season, indicating the effectiveness of preventive measures.
