Revolutionary Health Innovations in United Arab Emirates: What's Changing in Medicine, 04 June 2025

Empowering Hajj: Saudi Arabia's Healthcare Innovations Ensure Pilgrim Safety

Today's healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, with innovations and strategic measures aimed at enhancing patient care and safety, especially during mass gatherings. This edition focuses on Saudi Arabia's pioneering efforts to safeguard pilgrims during the Hajj, alongside key advancements in dental care and pharmaceutical practices. Stay informed as we explore how these developments impact medical tourism and healthcare accessibility.

Here’s your daily dose of the latest in medical tourism, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to guide your clients effectively and stay ahead in the industry.

Major Healthcare & Medical Advancements

Egyptian pilgrim survives heart attack, to resume Hajj after treatment in Saudi Arabia

An Egyptian pilgrim, who suffered a severe heart attack upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, is recovering and set to complete his Hajj pilgrimage thanks to swift medical intervention. The pilgrim experienced chest pain shortly after arriving at the airport. An ECG, performed by the group’s physician, revealed a critical heart attack, leading to an immediate transfer to King Abdullah Medical City. Surgeons performed successful open-heart surgery, grafting two major arteries and repairing the mitral valve, all coordinated through the Kingdom’s Urgent Care System. His recovery is being closely monitored, with the aid of a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital.

This highlights Saudi Arabia's preparedness in handling medical emergencies during mass gatherings, making it a reliable destination for medical assistance during religious pilgrimages.

What Happens When You Decide to Stop Taking Finasteride?

For individuals using finasteride to treat hair loss, understanding the implications of discontinuing the medication is crucial. Finasteride works by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink in men genetically predisposed to baldness. Stopping finasteride allows DHT levels to return to normal, typically within a few weeks. Consequently, hair loss resumes, with increased shedding and reduced hair thickness, especially around the temples and crown. Any regrowth achieved while on finasteride may reverse over 6–12 months. Side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or mood swings, which are rare (1-2% of users), usually subside within a few weeks after stopping the medication.

If considering stopping finasteride, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to explore alternative treatments or dosing strategies that minimize side effects while managing hair loss. Restarting finasteride is possible, but some progress may be lost and not fully regained.

Wellness & Preventive Healthcare Trends

5 Dental Mistakes Most People Don’t Realize They’re Making

Many people believe that brushing twice daily and annual dental visits are sufficient for maintaining oral health; however, certain overlooked habits can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums. Common mistakes include brushing too hard or with incorrect techniques, which erodes enamel and irritates gums. Neglecting to floss or doing it aggressively can also harm gums, leading to inflammation. Relying too much on mouthwash, especially those containing alcohol, can dry out the mouth and promote bacterial growth. Using teeth as tools to open packages or chew on tags can lead to chipping, breaking, or gum damage. Avoiding the dentist until pain occurs often means that underlying issues have progressed significantly.

Regular dental check-ups can identify potential problems early, making treatment easier and more affordable, thereby promoting better overall health.

Medical Tourism & Industry Insights

Philippines cuts stock transaction cost from 0.6% to 0.1%: What it means to OFWs

The Philippine government has reduced the Stock Transaction Tax (STT) from 0.6% to 0.1% under Republic Act No. 12214, known as the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA). This reform aims to stimulate capital market growth and encourage savings, particularly among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The cut in STT could incentivize OFWs to invest their remittances in the local stock market, potentially boosting the economy significantly.

The new law also exempts the issuance, redemption, or transfer of mutual fund shares and investment trust funds from Documentary Stamp Tax (DST), further reducing transaction costs and encouraging market participation. These measures collectively aim to make investment more accessible, especially for small investors.

Technology & Innovation in Healthcare

Saudi Arabia: World’s largest cooling system installed in Grand Mosque for Hajj

Saudi Arabia has activated the world’s largest cooling system, with a total capacity of 155,000 tonnes, to ensure a comfortable environment for pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The system, overseen by The General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, maintains a consistent indoor temperature between 22–24°C, even during peak summer heat. Equipped with state-of-the-art air purification technologies, it eliminates up to 95% of airborne impurities, ensuring clean and refreshing air for the pilgrims.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing high levels of comfort, safety, and reassurance to worshippers amid scorching summer heat. The cooling infrastructure includes two main stations: the Shamiya Station (120,000 tonnes of refrigeration) and the Ajyad Station (35,000 refrigeration tonnes), serving the mosque’s vast prayer areas and expansions.

Expert Opinions & Best Practices

Hajj pilgrims asked to remain in tents between 10am and 4pm on Day of Arafat amid heat warning

Saudi authorities are urging pilgrims to stay inside their tents between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the Day of Arafat due to expected temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah has requested that pilgrims avoid leaving their tents during these peak hours to prevent heat-related illnesses. The health ministry also advises against climbing mountains or high places on the Day of Arafat, as it causes extreme physical exertion and increases the risk of heat exhaustion.

This year, temperatures are forecasted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to intensify heat-mitigation efforts. Expanded shaded areas, additional medics, and over 400 cooling units will be deployed to prevent a repeat of last year’s heatwave, which resulted in numerous fatalities. As of Monday, over 1.5 million pilgrims had already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

Industry Takeaways & Actionable Insights

Today’s updates highlight the increasing focus on patient safety and accessibility in healthcare, particularly within the medical tourism sector. Key trends and actionable insights for Healthtrip partners include:

• Saudi Arabia's Healthcare Innovations: Leverage Saudi Arabia's advanced healthcare infrastructure and emergency response systems during the Hajj to ensure pilgrim safety and well-being.
• Investment in Philippine Stock Market: Encourage Overseas Filipino Workers to invest in Philippine stock market.
• Dental Care and Prevention: Emphasize preventive dental care and educate clients on common oral health mistakes to improve overall health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.
• Pharmaceutical Considerations: Advise patients on the implications of discontinuing medications like finasteride and the importance of medical consultation before making such decisions.

By staying informed and proactive, Healthtrip partners can provide valuable guidance to medical travelers, ensuring they receive the best possible care and make informed decisions about their health.