Makkah: Saudi Arabia, June 25, 2024- The Health Minister of Saudi Arabia confirmed on Sunday that the Hajj season saw a tragic loss of 1,301 lives. Many of the deceased were elderly and had pre-existing chronic health conditions. A significant majority of these deaths 83% involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj permits. These pilgrims undertook arduous journeys, often traveling long distances under the scorching sun without adequate shelter.
In a detailed press briefing, the Health Minister emphasized the critical challenges posed by unauthorized pilgrims during the Hajj. “The overwhelming majority of the deceased did not have the necessary permits to perform Hajj. They exposed themselves to severe environmental conditions and, unfortunately, this resulted in a high number of fatalities, particularly among the elderly with chronic health issues,” he stated. Despite the challenges, the Health Ministry undertook extensive efforts to provide medical assistance.
The Minister reported that healthcare services were extended to 161,000 unregistered individuals who found themselves in need during the pilgrimage. In total, over 1.4 million pilgrims benefited from the services provided by the Ministry of Health.
“This year’s Hajj presented extraordinary challenges, but our healthcare workers rose to the occasion, delivering critical care to those in need,” the Minister said. “We had set up numerous medical facilities and deployed thousands of healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of pilgrims.”
The Ministry has called for stricter enforcement of Hajj permit regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities are also considering measures to improve the management of large crowds and provide better protection against extreme weather conditions for all pilgrims.
The Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, draws millions of Muslims to Makkah each year. Ensuring the safety and health of these pilgrims is a monumental task that requires meticulous planning and coordination among various governmental and non-governmental organizations.
As the Hajj season concludes, the focus now shifts to learning from this year’s experiences to enhance the safety protocols and healthcare services for future pilgrimages. The Health Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all pilgrims and emphasized the importance of adhering to official guidelines and obtaining valid permits for performing Hajj.
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