In a significant advancement for pilgrim healthcare, Saudi Arabia has introduced its first mobile stroke unit at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during this year's Hajj. This innovative initiative aims to save lives by providing rapid, on-site stroke care, eliminating the critical time lost in hospital transport.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, an emergency medicine consultant and executive director of Ajyad Hospital, describes the unit as a state-of-the-art ambulance specifically designed for stroke cases. Its primary goal is to reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment, which is crucial for improving recovery outcomes. The unit's ability to quickly access difficult locations and deliver immediate care on-site is a game-changer for pilgrims.

Equipped with advanced technology, the mobile stroke unit features a CT scanner, an intravenous contrast system, and clot-dissolving medications. A sophisticated remote communication system, including high-speed internet and a 360-degree camera, allows medical consultants to monitor patients in real-time from any location. The dedicated team comprises a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiologist, and paramedic, ensuring comprehensive care.

A collaboration between Health Holding Co., the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, with support from the Ministry of Health, this unit is designed to treat one patient at a time, with diagnosis and treatment typically completed within just 15 minutes. Its effectiveness has already been demonstrated, as seen in the remarkable recovery of a 60-year-old Ugandan pilgrim who received immediate treatment for a hemorrhage.

The deployment of this unit to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital is part of a broader strategy to guarantee top-quality medical care for pilgrims, enabling them to complete their rituals safely and comfortably. This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring the well-being of the tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims who benefit from the extensive healthcare services provided by health centers and hospitals at the holy sites.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603377/saudi-arabia