During the Hajj period, more than 1,000 deaths were recorded, 83% of whom were not permitted to perform the Hajj, making it difficult to identify them. Also, 141,000 services were provided to those not authorized to perform Hajj.
reach Number of deaths during This year’s Hajj season there were about 1,301 cases, including 83% of those who were not authorized to perform Hajj, as they did not carry identification cards, which required time to identify them. This was confirmed by Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel today.
The minister indicated that the reason was due to their exposure toStress factors, including walking long distances in the sun without shelter, which led to death.
He added that 95Sick without permission They are still receiving health care and services, and some of them were evacuated by air to Riyadh to complete their treatment.
Al-Jalajel explained, during a television intervention with the Saudi Al-Ikhbariya channel, where he praised the success of the health administration’s efforts during the 2024 Hajj season, that Health system It was able to provide more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services for those not authorized to perform Hajj.
He emphasized that the health condition of the pilgrims was reassuring despite the high temperatures in the holy sites, pointing out the positive role of the health authorities’ response and the effective support of the Hajj security forces in confronting cases of heat stress.
The Saudi minister said that the competent authorities have made great efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to heat stress, in addition to emphasizing the necessity of adhering to and implementing preventive measures.
He pointed out that the Ministry recorded all reports, communicated with the families of the deceased, and identified them, while this required time given that many of the deceased did not carry any data or identification cards.
He confirmed that the necessary procedures were taken to identify their identities, bury them and honor them in Mecca, and their death certificates were issued, he said.
Al-Jalajel concluded by praising the free health services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, stressing that awareness programs began before the arrival of pilgrims to the Kingdom, and provided about 1.3 million preventive services. Health services varied between open heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, and dialysis, in addition to ambulance services, which amounted to more than 30,000 services, and air ambulance transports for the injured.
