Makkah Deputy Governor Inspects Facilities Readiness at Holy Sites Ahead of Hajj

Makkah: Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz conducted a field inspection of facilities in the holy sites, reviewing their readiness for Hajj. Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat, Mayor of Makkah Region Musad Al-Dawood, and Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami accompanied Prince Saud bin Mishaal during this tour, alongside officials from relevant authorities. According to Saudi Press Agency, the tour began with a visit to the Al-Shumaisi checkpoint on the Makkah-Jeddah highway. Prince Saud bin Mishaal was briefed on the facility, which includes 16 lanes equipped with advanced smart technologies, administrative offices for traffic security, a building housing 10 government entities, and staff accommodation. The checkpoint aids in streamlining vehicle movement and facilitating the entry of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors to Makkah. It also serves as a gateway to the ho ly city, equipped with inspection and screening technologies to facilitate entry. The deputy governor also reviewed the operational plan aimed at facilitating services for pilgrims, as well as the work of the reporting and monitoring unit and its mechanism for handling and processing reports. Prince Saud bin Mishaal then proceeded to the holy sites, where he visited Mina Emergency Hospital 2, which spans more than 5,300 square meters and has a capacity of 200 beds. The hospital also has capabilities in radiology and laboratory services, outpatient clinics, minor surgery units, isolation and resuscitation units, and staff support areas. The operation of Mina Emergency Hospital 2 is part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to expand medical coverage during Hajj, ensuring a swift response to emergency cases while providing a treatment environment within the holy sites. The hospital is among the fastest globally to be constructed and brought into operation, functioning around the clock. Prince Saud bin Mishaal was also briefed on field hospitals, which now exceed 15 facilities established in cooperation with health and security entities, as well as urgent care services designed to ease pressure on emergency departments. The healthcare system has increased its operational capacity to more than 20,000 beds, supported by over 52,000 medical workers serving pilgrims. It also operates 25 urgent care centers across the holy sites, more than triple last year's number, along with more than 900 ambulances, 11 medical evacuation aircraft, and 71 field emergency points.