For the first time, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the authorities at the Holy Haram, will have teams of women who will be available to help critically-ill women pilgrims at the Mosque's health centers. The ministry introduced this measure after the authorities noticed that members of the male nursing teams working at the Holy Haram felt uneasy providing medical assistance to women. Dr. Essa Al-Harithy, Director of Emergency Administration at the General Directorate of Health in Makkah, estimated that there are about 1,500 critical cases that need attention during Ramadan. He also expects this year's Ramadan to see a huge increase in the numbers of people seeking medical care. The medical teams at the Haram dealt mostly with Umrah performers suffering from diabetes comas, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. Khaled Dhafr, Director General of the Health Directorate in Makkah, said this year's medical services for Umrah performers will see five health centers opening on the second floor of the Holy Haram to deal with emergency cases. The centers work around the clock, he said.
