A 57-year-old Maldivian woman who fell critically ill while performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia has been successfully repatriated for treatment, authorities confirmed.
The patient was transported to Male’ via a Maldivian Airlines flight with dedicated medical assistance and is currently under intensive care at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where she is reported to be on ventilator support.
The government coordinated her evacuation following reports of her deteriorating health. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed acknowledged the efforts of Maldivian Airlines and IGMH in facilitating her safe return.
The pilgrim had traveled with the Al Wadi Umrah Group, among thousands of Maldivians undertaking the religious journey this holiday season—with over 7,000 pilgrims reportedly visiting Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.
No further updates on her condition have been disclosed, but authorities emphasised the importance of healthcare support for pilgrims, particularly during peak travel periods.