The Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah, a prominent member of the Makkah Health Cluster, announced a significant achievement in diagnostic services, with its radiology department serving over 66,544 patients during 2023. The total number of radiological examinations performed reached 86,084, reflecting the substantial development in the hospital's diagnostic capabilities and its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare.
General context: The evolution of healthcare under Vision 2030
This achievement comes within the context of the comprehensive transformation underway in the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key pillar of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to build an effective and sustainable healthcare system that ensures comprehensive healthcare for all citizens and residents. Establishing healthcare clusters, such as the Makkah Health Cluster, is a strategic step towards achieving this goal, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency, service integration, and improved patient experience. Developing healthcare services in Makkah is of particular importance given its role as a destination for millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually, requiring a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of responding to any emergency.
Details of the services provided and their impact
The Makkah Health Cluster explained that its radiology services were diversified to meet various diagnostic needs. These services included 43,241 ultrasound examinations, 37,800 fixed X-ray examinations, 2,151 MRI scans, 1,917 CT scans, and 975 fluoroscopy examinations. These figures not only demonstrate the volume of work but also indicate the advanced technology used, which ensures accurate diagnoses and rapid results. This, in turn, positively impacts patient treatment plans and reduces waiting times.
A pivotal role in maternal and child health
The Radiology Department plays a vital role in supporting the "Safe Delivery" program, which aims to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Through regular ultrasound scans, physicians can closely monitor fetal development and detect any potential problems early. The department also offers advanced diagnostic services for infertility cases, such as hysterosalpingography (HSG). Its services extend beyond mothers to include children from birth to 14 years of age, with 24-hour diagnostic support for emergencies, making it a cornerstone of the region's maternal and child healthcare system.
These achievements confirm that the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Makkah is moving steadily towards achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the health sector, by raising the efficiency of diagnostic services and facilitating access to them for beneficiaries, with strict adherence to the highest standards of quality and patient safety at all stages of healthcare.
