Telehealth services now available 24/7 for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Getting sick during Hajj is never ideal — but now, help's just a tap away. The Saudi Ministry of Health has rolled out round-the-clock digital medical consultation services for pilgrims this Hajj season, available in seven languages. Whether it's a sore throat or something more serious, pilgrims can now get expert medical advice without leaving their accommodation — or standing in endless queues.

As the saying goes, healthcare should never be lost in translation.

How does it work?

The magic happens through the Seha Virtual Hospital and a trio of easy-access touchpoints:

• Dial 937, the Ministry's unified hotline
• Use the Sehaty app, a one-stop shop for digital care
• Hop on the X platform (formerly Twitter) for assistance

Once connected, pilgrims can chat with doctors via text, audio, or video. They can upload lab results, send reports, and — if needed — get e-prescriptions delivered right to their phone. All it takes is a border registration number to log in and unlock full access.

And it's not just in Arabic or English. The service speaks:

• French
• Turkish
• Persian
• Urdu
• Indonesian

Now that's what you call care without borders.

Why does it matter?

Let's face it — millions gather during Hajj, and health issues are bound to arise. The old model meant long lines, language barriers, or delayed care. This new digital twist flips the script:

• Immediate help, no matter where you are
• Less pressure on emergency clinics
• Faster treatment decisions for better outcomes

It's also a huge win for frontline health workers. Thanks to "Consult Plus," medical teams across 300+ clinics in Makkah and Madinah can get real-time backup from Seha Virtual Hospital. "We can act faster and smarter," one field medic shared. "It's like having a specialist in your pocket."

The context

All this is part of a larger, ambitious plan — Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The country isn't just modernizing; it's reimagining service delivery. Under two flagship programs — the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Serving Guests of God Program — Saudi health officials are doubling down on quality, speed, and accessibility.

Simply put, this isn't a one-time fix. It's the future of care during pilgrimage, built on tech, trust, and a whole lot of heart.

And as pilgrims walk their spiritual journey, it's comforting to know that wherever they are, a doctor's always just a call — or click — away.