The Minister of Health
confirms NUPCO’s full
operational readiness for
the 1446 AH Hajj season
(RIYADH)
-
The National Unified
Procurement Company
(NUPCO) has announced its
full operational readiness
to support all entities
within the healthcare
ecosystem in Makkah and the
Holy Sites, ensuring the
continuous flow of medical
supplies and enabling
healthcare practitioners to
serve pilgrims efficiently
and effectively during the
1446 AH Hajj season.
As part of a coordinated
national effort, NUPCO works
alongside the Ministry of
Health and the broader
healthcare ecosystem to
ensure hospitals, clinics,
and field units across the
Holy Sites have
uninterrupted access to
essential medications and
supplies. Using real-time
tracking systems and rapid
response mechanisms, the
company continually monitors
stock levels and dispatches
replenishments to maintain
required inventory
thresholds.
In
preparation for Hajj, His
Excellency the Minister of
Health and chairman of
NUPCO’s board, Fahad bin
Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel,
visited NUPCO’s Arafat
logistics center to review
operational readiness and
observe how medical supplies
are staged and dispatched
during peak demand. During
his visit, he inaugurated
the drone and helicopter
fleet. The drones now reach
six medical facilities
across Arafat, Muzdalifah,
and Mina in about six
minutes, while helicopters
serve helipad-equipped
clinics in high-density
areas, reducing overall
delivery times.
Alongside these new delivery
capabilities, NUPCO is one
of the key stakeholders
supporting the recently
launched smart health
bracelet program. This
wearable device tracks the
vital signs of security
personnel and notifies
response teams when
intervention is required,
enhancing the medical
readiness of the broader
healthcare ecosystem
responsible for safeguarding
pilgrims.
Building on
these innovative
technologies, NUPCO has
implemented its five-phase
operational model,
encompassing preparation,
planning, execution,
support, and evaluation,
across all Hajj
infrastructure. Over the
pilgrimage period, the
company has accounted for
over 800 logistics trips to
distribute more than 2,000
types of medical items
across key healthcare
facilities, ensuring each
site is fully equipped and
prepared for every medical
need. A dedicated team of
more than 180 field and
support personnel will
oversee last-mile
distribution and emergency
responsiveness, including
the deployment of mobile
medical support units to
ensure rapid delivery in
high-demand and remote
areas.
“We are
working closely with the
Ministry of Health and our
ecosystem partners to make
sure all healthcare
providers have the supplies
they need to operate
effectively and respond to
any need that may arise
during Hajj,” said
Fahad Albuthi, Chief
Operating Officer at NUPCO.
“Our warehouses are active,
our fleet is fully deployed,
and our teams are in
position across the Holy
Sites. Everything is in
place to keep supplies
moving and ensure that no
medical facility is left
unsupported.”
NUPCO’s
preparations are part of a
broader national effort to
maintain public health and
service continuity across
the Holy Sites. By ensuring
critical medicines and
supplies reach their
destinations, NUPCO supports
healthcare delivery during
one of the world’s largest
annual gatherings, aligning
with Vision 2030’s
objectives to strengthen
health ecosystem
responsiveness and provide
reliable, accessible care
for residents and visitors
alike.
PRINT
THIS ARTICLE
|