Makkah: The Pharmathon Forum, organized by Umm Al-Qura University at the Makkah Chamber, is a national platform leveraging scientific research and innovation to advance pharmaceutical healthcare and improve the efficiency of therapeutic and preventive services for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah through an integrated system that enhances healthcare quality and sector preparedness.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum brings together healthcare practitioners, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs to exchange expertise and develop practical solutions in clinical pharmacy, drug safety, digital pharmacy, supply chain management, and pharmaceutical evaluation. The aim is to ensure patient-centered care, optimize resource use, and improve treatment outcomes.
The significance of the forum is highlighted by the Kingdom's extensive healthcare network, which serves over 35 million Umrah performers and 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims annually. This scale necessitates innovative models that enhance preparedness, support rapid response, and improve medication safety. Additionally, the forum seeks to prevent illnesses and emergencies arising from overcrowding, heat stress, and chronic diseases.
Pharmathon addresses key health topics during Hajj and Umrah, including prevention, safe medication use, food safety, personal hygiene, injuries, infectious diseases, heat stress, chronic conditions, vaccinations, rapid diagnostics, and precise treatments. Organizers emphasize that it is a long-term initiative aimed at building national knowledge capital, supporting the health economy, and positioning Makkah as a hub of healthcare innovation for pilgrims.