Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofHealth
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Third Filipino conjoined twins to undergo surgery in Saudi Arabia
Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa of Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro are set to become the third Filipino conjoined twins to undergo separation surgery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to a recent post by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the twins and their parents paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Raymond Balatbat ahead of the "life-changing" procedure. "With their parents by their side, these brave little souls are embraced by the unwavering support of two nations united in compassion," the embassy's post read. "Their journey ahead is one of hope—hope for a future filled with possibility and a new beginning," the post added. In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said the twins "have been interconnected for six years." They are currently under the care of the Saudi Ministry of Health for medical checkups for their "rigorous medical procedure and eventual separation," the DFA added. This marks the third time that Filipino conjoined twins were flown to Saudi Arabia for treatment under the Kingdom's humanitarian program. In 2024, Akhizah and Ayeesha Yusoph of Davao del Norte underwent the procedure. At the time, they were one year and four months old and shared a liver when they were fetched for the operation. Twenty years ahead of them, conjoined twins Ann and Mae Manzo became a beneficiary of the Saudi project. Saudi Arabia has been known to be a pioneer in the field of separating conjoined twins, having performed more than 133 operations for various nationalities as of May last year. "The Embassy acknowledges the remarkable vision of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program—not only in giving Filipino twins a chance at a normal life, but in extending its kindness to conjoined twins from across the world," the Philippine embassy added. According to the Mayo Clinic, conjoined twins "develop when an early embryo only partially separates to form two individuals." "Some surviving conjoined twins can be surgically separated. The success of surgery depends on where the twins are joined and how many and which organs are shared. It also depends on the experience and skill of the surgical team," the United States-based hospital said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Observer
11-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Award reflects efforts to ensure safety of pilgrims
Muscat: The Health Capability Award, which Oman won recently, reflects the integrated efforts to ensure the health and safety of Omani pilgrims. Efforts have been crowned with success in ensuring the safety of pilgrims and their physical ability to endure the rigors of the journey and perform Haj rituals safely. These efforts are a result of the Sultanate of Oman's strict adherence to the health capacity requirements as part of the Haj registration and acceptance procedures. This success in ensuring the safety and health of Omani pilgrims led to the Sultanate of Oman receiving the Health Capability Award from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recognition of its mission's efforts in providing distinguished health services to pilgrims during the 2025 Haj season. According to Dr Ali bin Zayed al Busaidy, head of the Omani Haj delegation, the medical delegation was formed at the end of last December. The Saudi Ministry of Health received the scientific certificates for translation and certification, provided necessary vaccinations to pilgrims, approved and certified medications; and followed necessary procedures with Saudi authorities. Health education efforts were also made to educate Omani pilgrims about their health before their departure to the Holy Land. Dr Ali bin Zayed al Busaidy Al Busaidy added that coordination with relevant authorities contributed to integration and cooperation to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. The Omani side, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the Saudi Ministry of Health, ensured necessary health measures during the 1446 AH Haj season and endeavoured to adhere to required requirements. Contracts were signed with a company to supervise Omani Haj delegation services, making it the second country to sign supervision services according to Saudi health requirements. Contracts were implemented to provide ambulance transportation services and manage medical waste. The Ministry of Health, with the support of the Omani Haj delegation, ensured that the Makkah Al Mukarramah clinic was equipped with all necessary medical equipment and devices to provide health, treatment and preventive services. Ambulance centres in Mina and Arafat were also equipped to ensure health services during the pilgrims' stay. Patients were transferred to Saudi hospitals according to established procedures and inpatients were monitored daily to determine treatment plans and ensure adequate healthcare. This achievement is the result of teamwork, integration and cooperation between the health sector and all relevant parties, reflecting the Sultanate of Oman's ongoing commitment to providing the highest standards of healthcare to ensure the health and safety of Omani pilgrims.
Qatar Tribune
07-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
‘Hajj Mission clinics well equipped to ensure the highest safety standards'
Dr Al Musaifri said that the clinics were equipped in compliance with the requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Health to ensure the highest safety standards, adding that cases are monitored closely with preventive measures being strictly enforced, especially amid the crowding and movement in the holy sites. The Deputy Head of the Qatari Hajj Mission's medical unit noted that the clinics have treated more than 500 cases since the Day of Tarwiyah, through Arafat, Muzdalifah, and up to the first Day of Tashreeq in Mina. He said that most cases were mild to moderate, having such conditions as throat infections, gastrointestinal issues, general fatigue, and muscle pain, adding that the overall health condition of Qatari pilgrims is stable and reassuring. In terms of health awareness, he advised pilgrims to stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion, remain in air-conditioned tents during peak hours, use umbrellas or shaded walkways, wear face masks to prevent infectious diseases, avoid crowds, and delay the stoning ritual until after the peak heat in the late afternoon or evening. He also recommended elderly or chronically ill pilgrims to take advantage of proxy rituals when needed. In a related development, the holy sites services unit has already outfitted the Mina camps according to the highest standards to ensure comfort and privacy for all Qatari pilgrims across campaigns. Each pilgrim was provided with a high-quality multipurpose seat that can be used as a chair or a bed, along with a personal table suitable for eating or reading. Every seat also includes a built-in power outlet with mobile phone charging capability, a feature introduced last year. Additionally, each tent is equipped with overhead lockers for storing personal belongings, multiple dining halls, open buffets with refrigerators for water, juices, and cold beverages, and several restroom facilities installed with the latest equipment for both men and women's camps. Qatar's Hajj camps in Mina are equipped with all safety and security measures, including a fully equipped ambulance and service staff to meet pilgrims' needs. These are all part of the comprehensive services provided by the Qatari Hajj Mission to facilitate the pilgrims' performance of their rituals under the best conditions. These medical efforts are conducted in full coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, as part of the integrated Qatari Hajj Mission system, and in collaboration with the relevant Saudi authorities, under the ongoing partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Qatari medical mission also praised the fruitful cooperation with Saudi authorities, which has helped create a safe health environment for pilgrims and enhanced the Qatari Hajj Mission's ability to implement its medical programs effectively. The Qatari Hajj Mission confirmed that these health efforts are in line with the directives of Qatar's wise leadership, aiming to provide the highest standards of healthcare to Qatari pilgrims, in accordance with the National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritises human health and well-being. The medical unit will continue operating until the end of the Hajj season, with ongoing preparedness, meticulous planning, and precise field implementation-serving as a model in healthcare services for Qatari pilgrims performing Hajj.
Morocco World
06-06-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
No Disease Outbreaks Among Hajj Pilgrims, Says Saudi Health Ministry
Rabat – The Saudi Ministry of Health announced that the health status of Hajj pilgrims is stable and reassuring, with no recorded cases of epidemic outbreaks or contagious diseases among the millions performing this year's pilgrimage. In a press briefing held today, ministry officials celebrated the successful implementation of preventive health measures and regulations, particularly the 'No Permit, No Hajj' policy. This system was cited as instrumental in maintaining order and protecting public health during the holy rituals. 'We thank Allah that the pilgrims were able to complete the essential pillars of Hajj under a system of integrated care,' the spokesperson stated. No infectious diseases or dangerous health conditions have been reported among pilgrims, he added. So far, over 125,000 health services have been provided across different medical facilities in the holy sites, including emergency care and chronic condition management. The Ministry said that coordination among government agencies ensured smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, especially during the critical transfer from Arafat to Muzdalifah and onward to Mina. The ministry also noted a 90% reduction in heat-related illnesses thanks to extensive awareness campaigns and efficient use of medical resources, including misting fans and mobile clinics. Officials stressed the importance of continued adherence to scheduled rituals and health guidelines, particularly during peak hours such as the stoning ritual at Jamaraat, which spans from 10 am to 4 pm. The ministry reminded pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and maintain personal hygiene. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The annual pilgrimage is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it. Tags: HajjPilgrimageSaudi Arabia
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia bars 269,000 from Makkah over Hajj permit violations to prevent overcrowding
Medical team members evacuate a Muslim pilgrim, affected by the scorching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage on June 15, 2024. PHOTO: AFP Listen to article Saudi authorities have barred over 269,000 individuals from entering Mecca without the required permits ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, officials announced on Sunday. The move is part of tightened efforts to manage crowds and prevent repeat tragedies linked to unauthorised pilgrims. Authorities say permit violations have historically contributed to overcrowding, often leading to fatalities. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died, many of them unregistered, as temperatures soared to a record 51.8°C. As Hajj officially begins this week, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported it has already treated 44 cases of heatstroke, with 1.4 million pilgrims having arrived in the kingdom so far. Although extreme temperatures are not forecast to reach last year's peak, they are expected to exceed 40°C during the pilgrimage. Deputy Health Minister Abdullah Asiri told AFP that officials were preparing for the "worst-case scenario." 'The focus is on heat-related illnesses because the Hajj coincides with extreme temperatures,' he said. In anticipation of potential health emergencies, the ministry has mobilised 50,000 medical and administrative personnel and allocated over 700 hospital beds equipped with ventilators for critical cases. Hajj is one of Islam's five pillars and is a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The pilgrimage this year coincides with Eid al-Adha, which will be observed on 6 June. The holiday commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command. As Saudi Arabia enforces stricter regulations and boosts health infrastructure, officials are urging pilgrims to comply with safety measures to ensure a secure and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
