RIYADH, March 29, 2025: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has successfully conducted the first air medical evacuation from the Grand Mosque in Makkah following the inauguration of two new air ambulance helipads.
A patient experiencing chest pain was initially treated at Al-Haram Emergency Hospital before being airlifted to King Abdullah Medical City for further care, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia has recently enhanced its emergency healthcare services by introducing the two helipads to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
Air ambulances will operate around the clock, ensuring the rapid transport of patients to hospitals within minutes.
A newly opened specialist hospital inside the Grand Mosque will also provide immediate medical care to pilgrims.
These facilities aim to ease the burden on existing healthcare centers at Islam’s holiest site, the Ministry of Health stated.
“Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of pilgrims by expanding services with both scale and speed,” Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said.
“This initiative guarantees that all patients receive top-tier medical attention at one of the world’s most sacred and frequently visited locations,” Al-Jalajel added.
“By transferring patients to hospitals based on their medical needs, we continue to enhance health outcomes for pilgrims efficiently.”
The air ambulances will facilitate patient transfers to both local and distant hospitals for specialized treatment, with additional helicopters available during peak periods.
Before the helipads’ opening, Saudi authorities conducted an air ambulance landing drill on the mosque’s eastern runway.
The newly established Al-Haram Emergency Hospital, located within the Grand Mosque, is a state-of-the-art medical facility equipped with advanced technology and skilled healthcare professionals, according to the Ministry of Health.
The hospital features an intensive care unit, a laboratory for medical testing, a radiology department, and an on-site pharmacy.
Additionally, it includes designated areas for critical emergencies, respiratory care, emergency observation, and an isolation unit for infectious diseases.