Modern tech at hospitals serving pilgrims

The Ministry of Health has activated modern medical technology in hospitals at the holy sites to facilitate treatment and services for Hajj pilgrims.

A telemedicine unit will be activated in these hospitals in cases where a doctor is not available onsite so that a patient’s condition can be monitored remotely and quickly.

The ministry has also launched an electronic archiving program for X-ray images and their exchange between radiology departments at the hospitals and the ministry’s virtual hospital to provide accurate diagnostic services, with consultants writing reports and providing support to radiologists working across the holy sites.

A laboratory services system at the hospitals will organize and manage documents electronically, transfer their data, and index them in special computer systems to facilitate easy searching and retrieval.

The ministry is also broadcasting awareness messages to pilgrims through its website, media outlets, and in pilgrim accommodation at the holy sites.

The messages feature information about the preventive and precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this Hajj season. These measures include wearing face masks, adhering to social distancing, ensuring hygiene, and giving medical advice to people with diabetes, asthma and other chronic diseases, as well as offering services that help pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals.