The Fourth International Conference for Mass Gatherings Medicine, organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), has continued its activities yesterday (Wednesday) in Jeddah. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Dr. Hani Jokhdar reviewed the Kingdom's accumulated experience in crowd management over the past decades that made the Kingdom a leader in crowd management and taking advantage of such advanced experience.
Executive Director of Guests of Allah Program, Dr. Rami A. Kinsara spoke about the program's initiative to raise the numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers to 30 million by 2030, pointing out that around 134,000 Umrah performers, from all over the world, have benefited from the electronic tourist visa.
For his part, Director-General of the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine, Dr. Anas Khan talked about MOH's efforts and excellence in crowd management, which made it pioneer in this field. He appreciated making use of Hajj and Umrah experience in crow management during other occasions.
Also, Director General of the Saudi Patient Safety Center (SPSC), Dr. Abdulelah Hawsawi underlined the importance of crowd safety and application of international standards in this regard, while Executive Director of National Guard in Jeddah, Dr. Muhammed Al-Zahrani spoke about the National Guard efforts to establish seasonal hospitals during Hajj season.
During the same session, Dr. James Rans, from Britain, addressed his country experience in crowd management, citing organization of Commonwealth Games 2018, and Dr. Andrew Maron reviewed the US experience in crowd management during many occasions.
At the end of the session, Umm Al-Qura University Vice President, Dr. Hani Ghazi highlighted the efforts exerted by the University to develop the competencies of mass gatherings medicine and department.