“Major health problems such as an outbreak of epidemics or mass food poisoning among pilgrims will be communicated to the public only by the Ministry of Health,” the minister told the chairmen of various Haj Health Committees involved in this year's pilgrimage activities.

Al-Rabeeah also addressed senior health officials at his ministry on Sunday evening.

“Serving the guests of Allah is our top priority at the moment,” the minister said, requesting health officials to offer the best health services to pilgrims by providing them with maximum comfort and ease during their pilgrimage.

The minister stressed the importance of unifying the efforts of all health sectors participating in this year's Haj season to provide integrated health care services to the guests of Allah.

“According to the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, we are dedicated to providing the best of services to the guests of Allah,” he said.

According to the minister, the committee coordinates with other ministries connected with Haj activities in the holy areas.

Al-Rabeeah said the functions of the Haj committees are interlinked through an electronic network to ensure integrated health care services.

“The sick should be transported to the nearest health facility without loss of time, “ Al-Rabeeah said, adding that the ministry should make use of the ambulances that are available at all strategic points within the holy sites. He indicated common casualties among pilgrims include victims of accidents, food poisoning and fatigue due to congestion.

The ministry recruited more than 20,000 people from various medical, technical, administrative fields for the Haj season this year. They include 441 medics in rare disciplines.

As a preventive measure against all epidemic diseases, the ministry deployed officials at all 14 ports of entry to monitor the health condition of pilgrims coming for Haj. These officials ensure pilgrims have taken the necessary vaccinations. Those who have not will be given the necessary doses at the ports of entry to protect them against contagious diseases.

Earlier, the ministry announced that 80 primary health care centers in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah were ready to receive pilgrims during the Haj. Recently, the ministry updated the facilities at these PHCs and now they are ready for operation during the latter part of the season.