THAHABAN: The third Hajj Health and Security Forum opened on Sunday under the patronage of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.
Organized by the General Administration of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior, the forum runs until May 19 and brings together ministers, senior officials, and specialists from across the Kingdom.
Over three days, participants will discuss key health and security issues related to Hajj, highlighting best practices, operational experiences, and innovative technological solutions aimed at strengthening coordination, enhancing preparedness and response efficiency, and improving services provided to pilgrims.
The first day focused on sustaining excellence in health and security services during Hajj, integrating healthcare and support services throughout the season, environmental and operational sustainability and its impact on public health and safety, and the role of public safety in supporting health and security.
Speakers in the opening panel included Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, assistant minister of health for health services; Dr. Jalal bin Mohammed Al-Owaisi, president of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority; and Dr. Rashad Hussein, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
Al-Abdulaali said health facilities in the holy sites, Makkah and Madinah are fully prepared for the season.
More than 52,000 health care professionals from various sectors are serving pilgrims this year, he said, with 25 treatment centers in operation. Total bed capacity has exceeded 20,000, including 3,800 beds in the holy sites.
He also thanked officials for the rapid establishment of the second Mina Emergency Hospital, which added 200 beds in less than a month.
Al-Abdulaali said services extend beyond emergency care to include advanced technologies such as catheterization laboratories, mobile stroke units, specialized medical services, virtual care and robotic surgery.
“These technologies are supported by blood transport services, laboratory and supply logistics, and the use of drones to enhance service delivery,” he said.
Ambulance fleets have been deployed across all sites, alongside air ambulance services operated in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to provide integrated emergency support to pilgrims.
While highlighting that all services are fully operational and ready, Al-Abdulaali expressed hope that pilgrims will complete their rituals in good health.
The forum features more than 15 panel discussions, six keynote speeches and three workshops, in addition to a TEDx event, a hackathon involving around 90 teams, and an exhibition with over 30 public, private and nonprofit entities showcasing initiatives and technologies related to Hajj health and security.
Saleh Al-Mohsen, supervisor general of the General Administration of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior, told Arab News that the forum serves as a national professional platform highlighting the Kingdom’s integrated efforts to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj.
“More than 800 participants are taking part in the hackathon, helping develop smart solutions to address Hajj season challenges. We are proud of this level of community engagement,” he said.
Al-Mohsen added that medical services operate a comprehensive field network across the holy sites, providing primary and urgent care.
“Modern technologies are being used to ensure safe access to services, including smart bracelets that monitor the health status of security personnel in the field, and drone technology for smart medication delivery in cooperation with NUPCO. Smart capsules and vehicles are also deployed on-site,” he said.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is participating in the forum to showcase its operational and technical readiness.
Abdulrahman Al-Thabet, an emergency specialist at the authority, told Arab News that 71 Red Crescent dispatch points have been established in Makkah during the Hajj season to ensure rapid response.
“The patient transfer process has been improved through a handover system from one team to another until the patient reaches the hospital, rather than having the first responding team complete the entire transfer,” he said.
“This has significantly enhanced case management, maintained team availability and facilitated faster access to healthcare facilities.”
Al-Thabet added that 200 new ambulances have joined the existing fleet, along with advanced medical equipment.
He said the authority uses artificial intelligence to communicate with callers, assess case severity, and determine locations.
AI is also integrated into the electronic paramedic system, linking medical devices with physicians to enable real-time remote consultations.
According to Al-Thabet, emergency response times have improved significantly and do not exceed four minutes, depending on location and crowd density.
In the coming days, the forum will address digital transformation in Hajj management, health and security preparedness and sustainability, media and communication support, research and innovation in Hajj services, and partnerships and knowledge exchange.
