The Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia traces its origins back to 1925 with the establishment of regional health departments in Makkah. In 1951, the Ministry was formally established by Royal Decree, creating a unified national authority responsible for overseeing healthcare services across the Kingdom. Since then, the Ministry has continued to strengthen and integrate hospitals, clinics, and public health programs under one comprehensive healthcare system dedicated to serving citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

The Ministry’s mission to advance public health directly supports Saudi Arabia’s vision of building a vibrant and healthy society  –  a fundamental pillar for sustainable economic growth and national prosperity. Beyond healthcare policy and service delivery, the Ministry also plays a critical role in supporting global religious events, most notably the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which welcomes approximately 1.8 million pilgrims from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Beginning on 24 May 2026, the Ministry of Health will welcome pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom by air and sea through Jeddah and Madinah with comprehensive healthcare services tailored specifically for the Hajj season. Through its specialized Pilgrimage Health programs for Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry provides extensive medical coverage across the holy sites – including Mina and Arafat –  through approximately 11 hospitals, numerous interconnected health centers operating under a unified enterprise healthcare system, and advanced emergency response units such as the Saudi Disaster Medical Assistance Team (S-DMAT). This integrated healthcare network enables centralized reporting, rapid coordination, and continuous medical support throughout the pilgrimage journey.

To accommodate the vast number of pilgrims each year, the Ministry relies on advanced clinical technologies and diagnostic excellence to support healthcare operations, including AGFA HealthCare’s Enterprise Imaging platform. Throughout their stay in the Kingdom – including visits to the Holy Haram – pilgrims have access to Ministry hospitals equipped with this award-winning solution, providing seamless diagnostics, efficient clinical workflows, and high-quality delivery of patient care at every stage of the pilgrimage. This collaboration reflects the commitment of both the Ministry and its trusted technology partners to delivering safe, connected, and world-class healthcare services.

AGFA HealthCare is proud to support the healthcare ecosystem serving pilgrims across Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s healthcare system, building on its historic legacy while embracing innovation and digital transformation to serve communities with efficiency, compassion, and excellence. Supporting healthcare during Hajj is not only a technological achievement, but also a meaningful contribution to one of the world’s most significant spiritual journeys.

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