The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the ‘Health Thon 4’ initiative, a large-scale healthcare innovation hackathon aimed at developing sustainable and technology-driven solutions to improve medical services for pilgrims during the Hajj season. The initiative aligns with the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Health Thon 4 program focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery in high-density environments, particularly in and around the central areas of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah.
It is designed to strengthen the Hajj healthcare ecosystem by systematically identifying operational challenges, improving coordination among healthcare providers, and developing practical, scalable, technology-driven solutions to improve emergency response times and overall service efficiency during peak pilgrimage periods.
Organized by the Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, Health Thon 4 invites innovators, healthcare professionals, and technology developers to participate in an open innovation platform aimed at improving patient care and operational readiness during the annual pilgrimage.
The healthcare hackathon will be held at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah from May 6 to May 19, 2026. Registration for participants will remain open until May 14, 2026, through the official registration channel.
According to the Ministry, the Health Thon 4 initiative is part of broader efforts to embed innovation within the healthcare system and develop long-term, sustainable solutions that enhance service quality for millions of pilgrims. The focus includes improving healthcare coordination, response times, and overall patient experience during peak Hajj periods.
Health Thon 4 builds on previous editions of the initiative, reinforcing the Ministry’s long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, fostering collaborative problem-solving, and supporting national transformation objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
