Qatari Hajj Mission's Medical Unit affirms readiness to deliver top-notch healthcare services to pilgrims
DOHA: The Medical Unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission has affirmed its full readiness to deliver top-notch healthcare services to pilgrims from the State of Qatar, in close coordination with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).
Head of the medical unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission, Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi, emphasized that the State of Qatar spares no effort in mobilizing all necessary medical capabilities and qualified personnel to safeguard the health and well-being of pilgrims, from the moment of their departure until their safe return.
The well-being of pilgrims from Qatar is a top priority, as the medical unit operates around the clock, hiring exceptional family medicine, emergency, and epidemic physicians, alongside nursing teams, paramedics, and pharmacists who have been deployed to escort the pilgrims and provide healthcare services at the highest professional standard, Dr Hadi highlighted.
He added that both male and female medical clinics have been outfitted in Makkah Al Mukarramah and the holy sites, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, in addition to isolation, inpatient, and observation rooms, all designated to ensure rapid intervention in emergency cases.
As part of a broader step to foster the medical framework of the mission, an agreement was signed this year with Saudi German Hospital Makkah, one of the Kingdom's most premium tertiary care institutions, to serve the pilgrims in case of any emerging emergencies, he said.
Under this arrangement, the pilgrims will be granted priority treatment at the facility, while the hospital also provides highly skilled and specialized medical personnel to be embedded within the medical unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission headquarters for this year's season, in a concerted effort to ensure the highest standards of care for the pilgrims, Dr Hadi explained.
He stressed that pilgrims should adhere to the Saudi health requirements to get the essential vaccination shots, particularly meningitis (valid for five years), and a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, as well as receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine.
It is extremely paramount for pilgrims to have these vaccinations 14 days prior to their travel, and they are available in the PHCC's centers across Qatar. Those with chronic diseases should reach out to their personal physicians to make sure they are fit to perform the Hajj rites, Dr Hadi stressed.
Dr Hadi further explained that a special medical form has been updated for pilgrims over 60 years old, which includes a comprehensive assessment to ensure they are capable of performing Hajj rites without any potential health complications.
He urged individuals with chronic conditions, particularly those with diabetes, to carry a personal medical kit to properly store medications and insulin based on recommended safety standards.
In addition, he called on pilgrims to adopt preventive measures to avoid heatstroke, such as staying well-hydrated, wearing protective head coverings or using umbrellas, and maintaining strict personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, to remain shielded against infectious and dermatological diseases.
As for coordination with Hajj delegations, Dr Hadi highlighted that the liaison unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission plays a critical role in maintaining direct communication with the delegations and streamlining medical response operations. This is ensured through a 24-hour hotline and the deployment of medical teams across all pilgrimage sites to guarantee swift intervention in health-related cases.
He noted that the buildings of the Qatari Hajj Mission in Makkah comprise a dedicated floor for medical isolation, in addition to triage and rapid-diagnosis clinics, as well as treatment clinics for both men and women, and an entire floor designated for immediate clinical evaluation.
Field clinics have been fully equipped at the holy sites in Mina and Arafat, with a mobile medical team escorting the pilgrims in Muzdalifah. The medical unit's personnel remain in close accompaniment to the pilgrims wherever they go, ensuring the provision of healthcare services, medical care consistent with the highest standards, and all necessary emergency response.
The unit also made certain that an ambulance remains assigned to the Medical Unit throughout the Hajj season, Dr Hadi noted.
Finally, Dr Hadi confirmed that all Qatari medical service personnel will remain on high alert to operate with high competence across all the mission's sites. He urged all pilgrims to adhere to the health tips, exercise strict diligence in terms of protection, and follow the instructions to ensure a secure and serene pilgrimage season.
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