The Maldivian pilgrim who was hospitalized after falling critically ill while performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia has been flown back to Male’ via Maldivian in a medical evacuation.
The pilgrim was flown back to Male’ on Saturday.
The Maldivian told Sun that a doctor and nurse from Male were on the medical evacuation flight to ensure the patient’s condition did not deteriorate any further.
Reliable sources report that the pilgrim was evacuated while on ventilator support. However, Sun was unable to verify the report as Maldivian did not disclose any further details.
The government’s decision to assist the medical evacuation of a Maldivian pilgrim who was hospitalized after falling critically ill while performing Umrah was announced by Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
In a message to the media last Tuesday, Shaheem said one pilgrim had been hospitalized and that the family, with government support, is working to fly him home.
Shaheem added that aside from this case, all other Maldivian pilgrims are in good condition.
Umrah travel has grown increasingly popular among Maldivians, with many families now travelling together and a wide range of groups offering tour packages. Whereas Umrah journeys once required joining groups, individuals are now able to travel on their own, which has contributed to the rising number of pilgrims.
 
According to figures shared by Shaheem in December, a total of 7,726 Maldivians are performing Umrah during this holiday period.