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).
According to Qatar News Agency, the head of the medical unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission, Dr. Khalid Abdul Hadi, emphasized that the State of Qatar is committed to 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.
Dr. Hadi highlighted that the well-being of pilgrims from Qatar is a top priority, with the medical unit operating around the clock. Exceptional family medicine, emergency, and epidemic physicians, alongside nursing teams, paramedics, and pharmacists, have been deployed to escort the pilgrims and provide healthcare services at the highest professional standard.
He added that both male and female medical clinics have been outfitted in Makkah Al Mukarramah and the holy sites, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These clinics include isolation, inpatient, and observation rooms, all designated to ensure rapid intervention in emergency cases.
As part of a broader effort to enhance 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. This agreement aims to serve the pilgrims in case of any emerging emergencies.
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. This is part of a concerted effort to ensure the highest standards of care for the pilgrims, Dr. Hadi explained.
Dr. Hadi stressed the importance of pilgrims adhering to Saudi health requirements, which include obtaining essential vaccination shots. These vaccinations include meningitis (valid for five years), a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, and the seasonal influenza vaccine.
It is crucial for pilgrims to receive these vaccinations 14 days prior to their travel, and they are available in PHCC centers across Qatar. Those with chronic diseases should consult their personal physicians to ensure 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. This 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.
Regarding 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.
Finally, Dr. Hadi confirmed that an ambulance remains assigned to the Medical Unit throughout the Hajj season. All Qatari medical service personnel will remain on high alert to operate with high competence across all the mission's sites. Dr. Hadi 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.