Union Health Secretary Releases Medical Care Checklist for Haj Pilgrims Amid Increasing Death Toll

The checklist outlines a strategic roadmap to provide pilgrims with comprehensive health services that address routine and emergent health needs.

In a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra unveiled a document titled "Medical Care Arrangements for Haj Pilgrimage." The guidelines were issued in response to the death toll incidents amid the extreme heatwave this year.

Saudi Arabia has reported that at least 1,300 people have died during this year's Haj pilgrimage due to severe weather conditions. The majority of those who perished did not have official permits.

"Regrettably, the number of fatalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorized to perform Haj. Many of them walked long distances under direct sunlight, lacking proper shelter and comfort," the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated.

The guideline was presented in a ceremony attended virtually by Mohammed Shahid Alam, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders.

Haj, the largest annual mass gathering globally, presents unique health challenges. The medical care for Indian pilgrims during Haj is managed by the Emergency Medical Relief Division and the International Health Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under the MoHFW.

This year's guidelines outline a strategic roadmap to provide comprehensive health services to pilgrims, addressing both routine and emergent health needs.

Highlighting on the importance of such guidelines, Chandra said, "This guide lays the foundation for the health services available to pilgrims and how they can access them."

This marks only the second year since the MoHFW assumed responsibility for healthcare during Haj, an experience that has provided critical insights for improving service delivery.

Meeting the Health Needs of Pilgrims

Chandra emphasized that approximately 120,000 Indian pilgrims participated in the Haj this year, of which around 40,000 were elderly individuals over 60.

"Given the harsh weather conditions, there was a significant demand for round-the-clock health services," he noted.

Drawing from the previous year's experiences, services such as oral and dental care were incorporated to meet the pilgrims' needs better.

The Union Health Secretary reported that there were nearly 200,000 outpatient department (OPD) visits, with medical teams actively visiting pilgrims to provide care.

A live portal developed with the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been instrumental in providing real-time data and analysis on medical care, enabling continuous monitoring and significant improvements in service quality.

Chandra expressed his vision for India to become a benchmark in healthcare services for Haj pilgrims, setting standards for other countries to follow.

Reflecting on India's commitment to its citizens, Chandra stated, "It is a matter of pride to assist our citizens wherever they may be. Whether evacuating students from Ukraine or aiding those affected by a fire in Kuwait, India has always been at the forefront of providing help."

He also noted that India has extended its assistance to citizens of other countries, including European nations, during crises.

Emphasizing Comprehensive Healthcare Planning

Additional Secretary LS Changsan of MoHFW underscored the importance of detailed healthcare planning for such a large-scale gathering in the challenging climate of Saudi Arabia.

She highlighted the strategic deployment of medical teams in Mecca and Medina, ensuring easy access for pilgrims. Changsan also emphasized the collaboration between MoHFW and NIC in creating a portal that provides real-time data on admissions and health operations.

She praised the dedication of the medical teams in Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders involved, including MoMA, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, the Haj Committee of India, NIC, WHO India, HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), central government hospitals, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and various state institutions.

Shahid Alam, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, stressed the document's significance in institutionalizing healthcare arrangements for Indian pilgrims.

He discussed the on-field challenges and experiences during the Haj and lauded the efforts of Indian medical personnel. Alam highlighted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly praised the healthcare services provided by the Indian mission.

Medical Care Initiatives for Pilgrims

The medical care arrangements outlined by the Union Health Ministry include revising the medical screening and fitness certificate to assess the health and fitness of Haj applicants in India.

Selected pilgrims are provided with health cards for their journey and stay in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Ministry has supplied vaccines to states for vaccination camps and established health desks at embarkation points.

With support from MoMA, healthcare personnel have been deputed, and medical infrastructure has been set up at various sites in Saudi Arabia designated by MoMA.