Top medical services are available for free for Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan this year at six hospitals in Makkah, a health official said recently.

Director of Health Affairs in Makkah Ahmad Banjar said the hospitals are King Abdul Aziz Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, Hera General Hospital, Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital and Noor Specialist Hospital. These facilities have over 2,000 beds, special centers and surgical theaters.

Umrah visitors can also attend any of the 72 clinics in the holy city. There are five dispensaries in the Grand Mosque to help patients around the clock. There are also ambulances ready to take seriously ill patients to Noor Specialist Hospital.

For heat stroke cases, the directorate has created special beds that spray cold water on patients. Women visitors with maternity issues, menstruation or excessive bleeding can attend the Maternity and Pediatric Hospital at Jarwal.

There are also general health services provided for visitors including medical checkups, tests and X-rays. Umrah visitors can attend any of the hospitals provided they produce valid passports with Umrah visas.

Patients requiring long-term treatment or surgery are transferred to Noor Specialist Hospital.

Reports indicate that most people treated at these facilities are from Egypt, India and Pakistan and mostly over 55 years of age, with chronic problems such as high blood pressure and lung diseases.