RIYADH: The Kingdom’s healthcare system is prepared for Hajj — one of its most demanding seasons of the year. From medical teams to supplies, preventative and response methods are in place to handle everything from heat exhaustion to illnesses across the holy sites.
Medical supply chain services company, National Unified Procurement Co., which is fully owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, has been working to streamline and improve medical procurement operations since 2009.
During Hajj, the company serves as the logistical backbone supporting healthcare supply operations across the holy sites, which in turn enables doctors and healthcare professionals to respond safely, quickly, and efficiently to all pilgrims’ needs.
Speaking to Arab News on the coordinated behind-the-scenes efforts that go into Hajj preparations, COO Fahad Al-Buthi said: “NUPCO coordinates closely with the Ministry of Health, forecasts demand, prepares pharmaceuticals, laboratory supplies, medical devices, and medical equipment, and positions stock near points of care. Once the season begins, operations move to real-time with live inventory monitoring, storage and transportation management, and responses to urgent requests throughout the Holy Sites.”
