Saudi health authorities have introduced a dedicated emergency treatment facility for heart attack patients at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The initiative aims to provide rapid medical intervention for pilgrims and visitors experiencing cardiac emergencies while performing religious rituals.
The Makkah Health Cluster has established what is known as the “Safe Heart Zone” inside the Grand Mosque complex. The project is being operated under the supervision of King Abdullah Medical City, one of the Kingdom’s leading specialized hospitals.
Officials say the facility is designed to strengthen the response to cardiac emergencies and ensure that patients receive immediate medical care during critical moments.
Faster response to cardiac emergencies
The main goal of the Safe Heart Zone is to reduce treatment delays for heart attack patients. Quick intervention is essential in cardiac cases, and the initiative seeks to significantly shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment.
Health officials noted that the project is particularly important during Ramadan and the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of worshippers gather in Makkah.
The initiative is expected to improve survival rates by ensuring that patients receive specialized treatment as quickly as possible. According to officials, the project seeks to improve outcomes for heart attack patients by reducing treatment time and ensuring faster intervention.
Advanced medical facilities and equipment
The Safe Heart Zone is equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by trained specialists capable of handling severe cardiac emergencies.
The facility includes 10 cardiac intensive care beds and is supported by a team of 30 qualified healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, nurses and emergency medical staff.
One of the most advanced features of the initiative is the use of a mobile catheterization laboratory at Al-Haram Hospital. This allows doctors to perform urgent interventional cardiology procedures without transferring patients to distant hospitals.
The center is also equipped with advanced life-support technologies. These include ECMO devices (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), which help patients whose heart or lungs are failing. The facility also provides cardiac stents and specialized medications needed during emergency procedures.
Integration with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare strategy
Saudi authorities say the project forms part of broader efforts to improve healthcare services for pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
The Safe Heart Zone supports the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a major initiative under Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to modernize healthcare systems across the Kingdom.
The initiative also strengthens coordination between hospitals, emergency services and regional healthcare networks to ensure that patients receive proper care even after initial treatment.
Improving safety for millions of pilgrims
Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, creating significant challenges for healthcare providers. Large crowds and physically demanding rituals increase the risk of medical emergencies such as heart attacks.
By establishing specialized treatment zones close to the Grand Mosque, Saudi health authorities aim to ensure that pilgrims receive life-saving care within minutes.
Officials believe the Safe Heart Zone will play a crucial role in protecting visitors and improving the overall safety of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
