Saudi Heath Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said on Thursday this year’s pilgrimage has been free of communicable diseases.
Saudi English language Arab News quoted the minister as saying: “This is one of the big fruits of the constant directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to provide the best possible health care services to the guests of Allah, the pilgrims, and the visitors of His sacred house in Makkah.”
Al-Rabeeah said this information was based the reports received from various health committees, including statistical data and other relevant information pertaining to precautionary measures taken by the Ministry of Health.
He attributed a strict surveillance process at all ports of entry of pilgrims, arriving by air, land or sea that proved effective in preventing entry of infectious diseases into the Kingdom. Remote digital monitoring cameras at all health care facilities helped in monitoring for any potential outbreaks, he added.
“In addition to all that the involvement of King Abdullah Medical City, this year, in providing fourth level health care services to pilgrims such as complex cardiac treatment and surgery in addition to other types of very specialized and rare medical services,” the minister said.
MAB WAM