The Maldives Hajj Corporation is in talks with Saudi Arabia's Abeer Medical Group to explore the provision of healthcare services directly at the hotels of Maldivian pilgrims in Makkah through the Saudi National Hospital (SNH).
SNH, the Makkah-based facility under consideration, is operated by Abeer Medical Group, a prominent healthcare provider with an extensive network of hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies, and optical outlets across Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and India.
Officials from the Hajj Corporation and Abeer Medical Group are evaluating ways to ensure pilgrims receive timely medical attention. One proposal under discussion, according to the Hajj Corporation, would enable SNH to offer healthcare services directly within the hotels where Maldivian pilgrims are staying, an approach designed to improve accessibility and convenience.
The Hajj Corporation has continued to prioritise the well-being of Maldivian pilgrims, with previous efforts focused on strengthening medical support during the sacred journey. Last year, a team consisting of four doctors and five nurses was deployed to oversee the healthcare needs of Maldivian pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. A specialised clinic and pharmacy were also set up within the hotel in Makkah, offering consultations and medication to pilgrims seeking treatment.
As the government adjusts its approach to pilgrimage eligibility, new selection criteria now prioritise individuals who have yet to fulfil the religious obligation. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that all individuals listed in the Hajj Corporation's queue—originally slated for this year's pilgrimage—will be able to travel as planned.
The Hajj Corporation reports that 9,115 individuals are currently registered in the pilgrimage queue. Among them, 7,543 are under the age of 65, 1,461 are between 65 and 75, and 111 are over 75. Of the total, 8,623 are first-time applicants. This group includes 7,150 individuals under 65, 1,370 between 65 and 75, and 103 over 75.