“No outbreak of epidemics, diseases or incidents threatening public health has so far been reported among the pilgrims and visitors,” he said.

The minister highlighted the keenness of the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the provision of the best healthcare services for pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques as well as to preserve their health and safety.

“The Ministry of Health continues to provide preventive, curative and emergency services for pilgrims through hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Makkah and health centers in the premises of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The preventive plan prepared for the Umrah season during the fasting month of Ramadan includes preventive measures, epidemiological investigation procedures and response to infectious diseases of a remote epidemiological dimension,” he said.

Al-Jalajel said that the ministry has recruited more than 18,000 health workers to serve pilgrims and visitors. “During the first 20 days of the blessed month, more than 7,200 Umrah pilgrims were provided with healthcare services through emergency centers and the Haram Hospital, as well as through hospitals in the holy city. A total of 36 emergency surgeries were performed in addition to 291 dialysis, and 20 catheters,” he said.

The minister thanked the wise leadership for its unlimited support to the ministry and its employees and all other sectors operating during the Umrah season. He prayed to God Almighty to accept the prayers of pilgrims and visitors and enable them to return safely to their families after the performance of their rituals in ease and comfort.