Saudi's "holodoctor" will diagnose Hajj pilgrims virtually

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia administration introduced the "holodoctor" service, an initiative in partnering with Saudi Telecommunications Co, for medical practitioners to virtually care Hajj Pilgrims. Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel launched the service, Arab News reported.

Meanwhile, Makkah Health Cluster (MHC) proclaimed that it is ready for this Hajj season as it has completed the operational plans for all health facilities and hospitals affiliated with it, Arab News reported, citing Saudi Press Agency (SPA). MHC informed that ten hospitals and 82 healthcare centres have finished with their preparations for Hajj Pilgrims. It added that emergency centres and two emergency hospitals would run 24 hours a day next to the Grand Mosque.

Regarding "holodoctor", it will provide "inspection, diagnosis and disbursing medicines" Arab News quotes SPA. This is done through direct connections with the Seha Virtual Hospital in Riyadh, the health minister informed.

Later, the minister thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their relentless services to the Hajj pilgrims, safeguarding their comfort as well as security.

Minister Al-Jalajel added that Seha Virtual Hospital will provide 24-hour access to x-rays and can cater to severe medical conditions like strokes. Doctors will interact directly with patients.

Information on healthcare is made available on the telephone number 937 as well as the Sehhaty app and the health ministry's Twitter handle.