June 24th 2024.
During the Haj season, Saudi Arabia faced a total of 1,301 deaths among pilgrims, with the majority (83%) being unregistered individuals. This information was announced by the Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel on Sunday, who highlighted the efforts made by the country's healthcare sector in addressing multiple cases of heat stress. Despite these efforts, some individuals are still receiving medical care. The minister also mentioned that among the deceased were mostly elderly and chronically ill individuals, with unregistered pilgrims being the most affected due to the long distances they had to cover under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort.
Despite the initial lack of personal information or identification documents, all victims have been identified and their families have been notified. This was made possible through proper processes followed for identification, burial, and the issuance of death certificates. Al-Jalajel expressed his appreciation for the competent authorities' efforts in raising heat stress awareness and preparedness among pilgrims, as well as the support provided by first responders and the Haj security forces in handling heat stress cases.
According to the Xinhua news agency, the health management during the past Haj season was deemed a success, with no recorded outbreaks of epidemics or widespread diseases. The health system provided over 465,000 specialized treatment services, including emergency care, surgeries, and dialysis. This also included 141,000 services for those who did not obtain official authorization to perform Haj. Additionally, approximately 1.3 million preventive services were delivered, which included early detection, vaccinations, and medical care upon arrival.
In conclusion, despite the challenges faced during the Haj season, Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector showed great dedication and efficiency in addressing the needs of pilgrims. The efforts made by the competent authorities, first responders, and the Haj security forces were crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals.
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