Hospitals in Mecca and Medina have already conducted 1400 surgeries on pilgrims during the Hajj season this year, it has been announced.

The Saudi Health Ministry said that 147 heart bypass operations and seven open heart surgeries have been performed between July 21 and August 22. The ministry stated that there have been 901 cases of kidney dialysis, 42 endoscopy procedures and 307 surgeries.

The total number of visits to emergency centers in Mecca and Medina hospitals reached 11,837 while 17.974 outpatient clinic visitors were registered and a further 139,281 visitors were registered to health centers in the two cities.

The ministry provides specialized services to pilgrims free of charge every Hajj season that include open heart surgeries, bypass operations, renal dialysis, and endoscopy and child birth.

On field medical facilities this year include 100 ambulance cars that operate as mobile intensive care units in addition to 80 large mobile ambulance centers. The ministry has also placed 29,000 medical practitioners to work round the clock at the pilgrimage sites this year.

source: Alarabiya