Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim inaugurating Medical Unit of Qatar Hajj Mission in Makkah yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Head of the Qatar Hajj Mission H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim inaugurated the medical unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission in the holy sites yesterday as part of preparations to provide integrated healthcare services for Qatari pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.
Al Ghanim also launched two innovative emergency-response solutions, the Rapid Ambulance Scooter and the updated version of the HT Rescue Jacket, both designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of medical intervention in crowded pilgrimage areas where conventional ambulances may face difficulties reaching patients quickly.
The medical unit has been equipped to operate around the clock, offering a comprehensive healthcare system aimed at ensuring pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and comfortably. The facilities include separate clinics for men and women, rapid triage and examination rooms, observation and medical isolation rooms, and fully stocked pharmacies containing essential medicines, medical supplies, and treatment equipment.
The minister toured the clinics and reviewed the advanced medical and technical equipment installed according to international healthcare standards. He also received a detailed briefing from Dr. Khalid Abdulhadi, Head of the Medical Unit, regarding the operational plans and readiness of the healthcare teams throughout the Hajj season.
Dr. Abdulhadi explained that the medical unit includes specialists in family medicine, emergency care, infectious diseases, and ear, nose, and throat treatment, in addition to nursing teams, paramedics, and pharmacists. He stressed that the unit is fully prepared to handle medical emergencies and provide comprehensive healthcare services across all pilgrimage sites.
He noted that the mission’s healthcare strategy extends beyond treatment to include prevention, monitoring, rapid intervention, and close coordination with health authorities in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that safeguarding the health and safety of Qatari pilgrims remains a top priority for the country.
The medical services are being delivered through close cooperation among Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, and Saudi health authorities, reflecting an integrated national effort to provide world-class healthcare services during Hajj.
Dr. Mishal Al Misferi, Deputy Head of the Medical Unit, explained that the wearable emergency system enables a physician to carry a complete mobile medical unit directly on the body. The lightweight jacket contains vital signs monitoring devices, oxygen saturation measurement tools, ENT examination equipment, blood glucose and blood pressure monitors, ECG technology connected to smartphones, respiratory treatment devices, emergency medications, wound care supplies, and intravenous fluids.
Dr. Mustafa Al Traboulsi, Head of Nursing at the medical unit, highlighted the importance of the newly introduced Rapid Ambulance Scooter, which was designed to improve mobility for emergency teams within densely crowded pilgrimage areas. The scooter is equipped with a portable oxygen generator, cardiac defibrillator, respiratory emergency devices, and a comprehensive first-aid kit capable of handling burns, wounds, and critical medical cases.
