Mecca on High Alert: Saudi Health System Battles 50°C Heatwave

Mecca Braces for 50°C Heatwave: Saudi Health System on High Alert Mecca, Saudi Arabia – With temperatures forecast to soar to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in the coming days, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health is bolstering its healthcare system's preparedness for a severe heatwave. The intense heat poses a significant threat to the millions of pilgrims expected to arrive for the upcoming Hajj season. Al Arabiya's Sultan Al Salmi visited Mina Emergency Hospital, speaking with Dr. Ahmed Maghribi, Assistant General Manager. Dr. Maghribi highlighted the proactive measures being taken: "The efforts currently underway include increasing the number of heatstroke units in Mecca. We've expanded the capacity of hospitals and equipped them with cooling devices to rapidly address heatstroke and heat exhaustion cases." The hospital is equipped with misting fans and additional cooling systems to treat patients quickly. The increased capacity aims to prevent serious complications and ensure the well-being of pilgrims and residents. Dr. Maghribi emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. The Ministry of Health is working with both public and private healthcare sectors to ensure a coordinated response to the heatwave. The comprehensive preparations demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to public health and safety during this challenging period. The proactive measures should lessen the impact of the extreme heat on the population.