The Maldives Hajj Corporation has established a dedicated medical clinic in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, marking its second year of providing essential healthcare access to Maldivian citizens performing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The facility provides comprehensive medical treatment to any Maldivian citizen travelling to the holy city, addressing the fevers and cold-related symptoms that frequently affect pilgrims.
By instituting these clinical services directly at the site of the pilgrimage, the Hajj Corporation has sought to mitigate the substantial financial and logistical burdens historically associated with securing medical care in a foreign nation. The clinic’s resources are accessible to every Maldivian present in Makkah during the pilgrimage seasons, including those travelling independently.
The facility’s operations are governed by a formal agreement between the Saudi National Hospital and the Hajj Corporation. Ali Shareef, the Deputy Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation, confirmed the clinic’s adherence to the regulatory standards of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health. "This facility strictly adheres to the recognised standards of the Saudi Arabian health ministry," Shareef told PSM News, noting the rigorous operational framework in place.
The corporation has created structured pathways for Maldivian medical professionals to serve abroad, recognising that patients often respond best to care administered by local physicians. Doctors and nurses travel to Makkah by registering with a specialised medical pool managed by the corporation. A participating physician explained that the corporation extends invitations to local hospitals, which then select the practitioners for deployment. "I consider it a profound privilege to provide medical services to individuals engaged in such a sacred act of worship," the doctor said.
The healthcare initiative has garnered positive responses from individuals who participated in the recent Umrah during the fasting month of Ramadan. Patients praised the facility’s efficiency and noted that the cost of medication appeared more affordable than prices in the Maldives. "The quality of care is exceptional," remarked one patient. Another individual described the healthcare services provided as "thoroughly exemplary."
Extending these services to all Maldivians in the region, encompassing those under the Hajj Corporation’s mandate and independent pilgrims, serves as a definitive relief for the nation’s citizens abroad.