Head of the Medical Unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi asserted that all medical preparations and arrangements have been finalized in coordination with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), alongside professional medical entities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide essential health care to Qatari pilgrims in the Holy sites around the clock.
He said the State of Qatar gives paramount attention to provide all potential, medicines, and medical treatments through high-level health services to ensure safety and health for pilgrims of the State of Qatar and help them perform Hajj rituals in best conditions. He added that the medical crew escorting Qatari Hajj mission consists of 34 of most skillful physicians in internal medicine, heart, communicable diseases, ear, nose and throat, ambulance, nursing, and multiple medical specialties, pointing out that two fully equipped ambulance vehicles are accompanying the mission in collaboration with Qatar Red Crescent Society.
The medical unit started to operate about two months ago through vetting all medical files and medicines prescribed to pilgrims registered on Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs website, then the unit worked to provide all essential medicines to pilgrims, Hadi outlined.
He outlined that a delegation from the medical unity headed to the Holy sites recently to inspect preparations made to equip clinics at the new mission’s headquarter which are devoted to establishing direct communication and coordination with medical units in case of any medical emergency that may require rapid intervention, or a medical case that requires essential medical counseling without any delay, whether through medical aid or prompt medical examination, along with the existence of a medical team escorting most Qatari campaigns available around the clock to follow up on medical conditions and provide the appropriate care.
Head of the Medical Unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission urged pilgrims to communicate with the unit through the communication center and hotline, emphasizing that all medical crews are available around the clock to fulfill the needs of Qatari pilgrims everywhere, adding that medical crews are available in Muzdalifah near pilgrims for their service.
He stressed that it is important for pilgrims to essentially get vaccinated prior to departure, especially against seasonal influenza and meningitis, adding that pilgrims should have health cards to prove that they have been vaccinated, urging people with chronic diseases to visit physicians prior to leaving Qatar to check their health conditions and obtain the prescribed medicines during the whole season of Hajj.
People with diabetes should carry small bags containing ice and insulin needles to maintain their efficiency, along with special bags for all medicines to be kept in a cold place, he said, pointing out that the medical unit at Qatari Hajj mission has contracted with a specialized hospital in Makkah Al Mukaramah in adjacent to Qatari pilgrims’ residence for cases that require necessary admission to the hospital.
He pointed out that the medical unit is put on a high alert to treat any urgent cases with a priority given for treatment in the hospital, adding that coordination and cooperation will be made with other hospitals in Mina to ensure pilgrims’ safety and health during the whole period of their stay in the Holy sites.
Source: Qatar News Agency