الحج

The following symptoms require immediate الطوارئ response — call 997 for an ambulance or get to the nearest المستشفى: chest pain or tightness (possible heart attack); difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath; loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness; signs of stroke — remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 997; severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — throat swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread hives; seizures; severe bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure; suspected spinal or head injury after a fall; confusion or altered mental status (possible الحرارة stroke, low blood sugar, or other serious condition); and severe abdominal pain with vomiting blood or passing blood. Do not wait, do not try to walk to a المستشفى — call for الطوارئ transport.

The following require prompt medical attention at the nearest الحج medical station or المستشفى: high fever (above 39C/102.2F) lasting more than 24 hours or not responding to paracetamol; persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to deالترطيب; blood in urine, stool, or vomit; severe pain not controlled by over-the-counter الأدويةs; worsening respiratory infection with difficulty breathing; eye injuries or sudden vision changes; burns covering a large area or on the face, hands, feet, or genitals; suspected bone fracture (severe pain, swelling, inability to move); wound showing signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, red streaks, increasing pain); and diabetic emergencies (very high or very low blood sugar with symptoms). These conditions may not require an ambulance but should not be delayed or self-treated.

المملكة العربية السعودية provides extensive free medical care during الحج. Resources include: field medical stations located throughout all الحج sites (منى, عرفة, مزدلفة, الجمرات, and around المسجد الحرام); the الحج medical hotline 937 for health advice and guidance; ambulance service via 997; major المستشفىs in مكة including Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Hera General Hospital, and King Abdullah Medical City; mobile medical teams circulating through tent camps and الحاج areas; and helicopter الطوارئ services for critical cases. To access care: inform your الحج group leader, who can help coordinate; bring your passport, الحج ID, and health insurance card; bring your الأدوية list and medical letter; and communicate your symptoms clearly (translation services are usually available). Medical care for الحج الحجاج at Saudi government facilities is provided FREE regardless of insurance status.

Not every health concern requires a المستشفى visit. For non-الطوارئ issues like mild headaches, minor blisters, muscle soreness, mild cold symptoms, and minor digestive upset, self-treatment with your personal medical kit is appropriate. الحج medical stations can also help with prescription refills if you run out of الأدوية, minor wound care and dressing changes, basic health advice and reassurance, over-the-counter الأدوية provision, and blood pressure and blood sugar checks. If unsure whether your condition needs professional attention, err on the side of caution and visit a medical station. Early treatment of minor conditions prevents them from becoming serious. Do not let embarrassment, language barriers, or fear of missing rituals prevent you from seeking medical help — your health is a trust from Allah.