MAKKAH: An Iranian pilgrim in his 60s had life-saving open-heart surgery at King Abdullah Medical City’s Heart Health Center in Makkah on Sunday, according to the Saudi Ministry of Health. He had suffered an acute heart attack as a resulting of narrowing and blockage of his coronary arteries. “The Iranian pilgrim made a full recovery after receiving integrated medical services provided by specialized medical teams,” Hatem Al-Masoudi, official spokesperson for the Makkah Healthcare Cluster, told Arab News. He added that staff at all medical facilities are fully prepared to help pilgrims around the clock in the holy city and at other holy sites. “Serving and taking care of pilgrims is an honor all workers seek to achieve during Hajj season,” he added. “It is also an opportunity for them to project the quality of their services and the sophistication in dealing with all aspects thanks to the accumulated experiences they have gained working during Hajj season for decades.” The ministry said the surgery took five hours, after which the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for further monitoring. He has made a good recovery and is now preparing to resume his religious rituals. The Heart Health Center at King Abdullah Medical City has built a reputation for the expertise of its highly qualified and experienced staff in performing such procedures. It receives support from the Saudi government and the Health Ministry, in keeping with the determination of authorities in the Kingdom to ensure the health and well-being of all citizens, residents and pilgrims.