Drones deliver medicine to haj hospitals in first-ever trial
MINA: Saudi Arabia has, for the first time, deployed drones to deliver medicine and medical supplies to hospitals and healthcare centres at the holy sites, as part of a pilot initiative during this year's haj season.
The operation, led by the Makkah Health Cluster in collaboration with the National Unified Procurement Company, marked a significant step in enhancing the speed and efficiency of healthcare logistics for pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Among the key deliveries was a shipment of ice packs to Mina Emergency Hospital for the treatment of heat exhaustion and sunstroke, coinciding with the start of the stoning ritual on the first day of Eid Al-Adha.
The initiative follows a multi-phase process, including item preparation, advanced packaging in compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations, and real-time monitoring via a central dashboard to ensure timely and secure delivery.
Authorities said the system is designed to reduce response times and support emergency medical operations, especially during high-traffic periods at the holy sites.
The drone-based delivery is part of wider efforts to modernise healthcare services under Saudi Vision 2030 and reflects the government's commitment to ensuring safe and efficient care for pilgrims throughout the Hajj period. – BERNAMA
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