Evaluation Framework for Hajj Pilgrim Healthcare Services in Saudi Arabian Hospitals

The Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, conducted a visit to the Saudi German Hospital in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday (3/6/2026) local time. The visit was undertaken to review the healthcare services provided to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims currently undergoing medical treatment.

During the visit, the Minister, commonly referred to as Gus Irfan, evaluated the implementation of the healthcare cooperation between Indonesian Hajj organisers and hospitals in Saudi Arabia that has been operational during this year’s Hajj season. According to Gus Irfan, this cooperation has provided significant benefits in supporting the medical management of pilgrims requiring care. However, several points were noted for evaluation, particularly regarding communication and coordination during implementation.

“As this is the first time it has been conducted, there are certainly several aspects that need improvement, including the patient referral process and the certainty of their return timing,” he stated in a written statement on Thursday (4/6/2026).

He emphasised that moving forward, cooperation with hospitals in Saudi Arabia must continue to be strengthened to provide broader and better services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. “We want this cooperation to provide even greater benefits so that healthcare services for Indonesian pilgrims can become increasingly optimal,” he said.

On this occasion, Gus Irfan also highlighted the management of pilgrims still undergoing treatment ahead of the repatriation phase. He noted that not all sick pilgrims necessarily need to be transferred from Makkah to Madinah.