Bracing up to ensure a peaceful and smooth Haj this year, the Ministry of Health has designed several methods such as e-applications and awareness booklets to benefit pilgrims during Haj.
This is besides the regular arrangements like wearing bracelets etc. for their location and safe return.
Haj preparatory committees held their 22nd meeting in the ministry’s bureau in Riyadh, under the presidency of Hussein Al-Ghannam, chairman of the Haj preparatory committees and general supervisor of the general directorate of health services for Haj and Umrah.
The meeting was attended by the committee’s chairman and the participation of health affairs officials in Makkah and Madinah, and King Abdullah Medical City, through video communications.
The meeting discussed the health awareness plan for the coming Haj season, and the special preparations of the emergency committee during Haj, in addition to the mechanism to develop emergency work by dividing it into three operational areas: The central area, the holy sites of Arafat, Mina, and the Mozdalifa and Makkah area. The meeting discussed the contribution of the visiting work force in rare specialties in emergency, intensive care and burns.
The meeting also reviewed work flow and the completion of medical and non-medical preparations, in addition to precautions to face contagious diseases during the Haj season, especially in regards to MERS-corona virus.
Healthcare services were offered to more than 405,542 pilgrims during the last Haj season, and more than 1.3 million pilgrims were tested through its 15 health centers at its land, marine and air ports.
Last Haj season witnessed 22 open heart surgeries, 668 cardiac catheterizations, 2,213 dialysis sessions and 31 endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures, reported Aleqtesadiah.
The information-loaded to bracelets will help authorities keep track of pilgrims' movements.
Saudi Arabia introduces electronic bracelets for Hajj pilgrims as safety measure
The move comes amid security concerns and is aimed at tackling untoward incidents during the pilgrimage.
The bracelets will contain personal information such as passport numbers and addresses as well as medical information of individual Hajj pilgrims that will help authorities identify them and provide care, according to Saudi Press Agency.
The e-bracelets are water-resistant and are also connected to GPS, which will not only help authorities keep track of pilgrims' movements, but will also instruct pilgrims about the timings of prayers and other rituals at Mecca. Through the tracking device, the pilgrims will also be connected to a multi-lingual help desk that will guide non-Arabic speaking pilgrims about the various rituals scheduled at the holy Islamic event.
Local media reported that around 1,000 new CCTV cameras have also been installed at Mecca's Grand Mosque as part of security measures. The cameras, linked to control rooms, will be overseen by special forces who will keep a close watch on pilgrims' movements.
The Saudi authorities have so far spent billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and transport facilities over the years in Mecca, where every year, over three million pilgrims participate in the six-day ritual. Followers of Islam regard it is a religious obligation to take part in the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, if health and finances permit.
Source : http://www.arabnews.com/node/958701/saudi-arabia
