Riyadh, May 14, 2026(Kamran Raja): Saudi Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel has affirmed the Kingdom’s full healthcare readiness and comprehensive preparedness plans for the upcoming Hajj 1447 season, emphasizing that preparations began immediately after the conclusion of last year’s pilgrimage season. Speaking during the government press conference in Riyadh, the minister stated that Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is operating under a proactive and integrated strategy aimed at ensuring continuous medical care for pilgrims from their home countries until their safe return after completing Hajj rituals. Minister AlJalajel said the Kingdom’s service to pilgrims stems from a historic legacy established by the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud and carried forward by successive Saudi leaderships. He noted that under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance Hajj services annually, transforming the pilgrimage season into a global model of advanced organisation and humanitarian care.
The minister highlighted that Hajj remains one of the world’s largest human gatherings within a limited geographical area and timeframe, requiring exceptional healthcare preparedness and rapid emergency response mechanisms. He announced that the Kingdom has expanded healthcare capacity for this year’s pilgrimage season to more than 20,000 hospital beds, including over 3,800 beds allocated within the holy sites. He further revealed that the capacity of Mina Emergency Hospital 2 has been doubled to strengthen the response to critical medical situations during Hajj. Minister AlJalajel also noted a major expansion in urgent care services, with the number of urgent care centres increasing to 25 centres — more than triple previous levels — aimed at improving rapid access to healthcare and enhancing field emergency response capabilities. In addition, the Saudi healthcare system has reinforced ambulance and emergency transport services through a fleet exceeding 3,000 ambulances and emergency vehicles, supported by 11 air ambulance aircraft. The operations are being managed by approximately 7,700 paramedics, while more than 52,000 healthcare practitioners are participating in serving pilgrims across various holy sites and healthcare facilities. The minister stressed that the Kingdom’s healthcare preparations for Hajj represent an advanced operational model that combines humanitarian values, institutional integration, organisational excellence, and modern medical technologies to ensure pilgrims perform their rituals safely and peacefully. He added that Saudi Arabia remains committed to providing pilgrims with a comprehensive healthcare experience that reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to serving the Guests of Allah and ensuring their wellbeing throughout the Hajj journey.