Preparations complete to provide healthcare to Qatari pilgrims

Head of the Medical Unit of the Qatari Haj Mission Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi has asserted that all medical preparations and arrangements have been finalised in co-ordination with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), alongside professional medical entities in Saudi Arabia, to provide essential healthcare to Qatari pilgrims in the Holy sites around the clock.He said 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 Qatar, and to help them perform Haj rituals in the best conditions. He added that the medical crew escorting Qatari Haj mission consists of 34 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 Haj 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 unit headed to the Holy sites recently to inspect preparations made to equip clinics at the new mission's headquarters which are devoted to establishing direct communication and co-ordination with medical units in case of any medical emergency that may require rapid intervention, or a medical case that requires essential medical counselling without any delay, whether through medical aid or prompt medical examination. This is in addition to the existence of a medical team escorting most Qatari campaigns around the clock to follow up on medical conditions and to provide the appropriate care.Head of the Medical Unit of the Qatari Haj Mission urged pilgrims to communicate with the unit through the communication centre and hotline, emphasising that all medical crews are available around the clock, to fulfill the needs of Qatari pilgrims, and added that the medical crews are available in Muzdalifah for the service of the pilgrims.He stressed that it is important for pilgrims to essentially get vaccinated prior to departure, especially against seasonal influenza and meningitis, and added that pilgrims should have health cards to prove that they have been vaccinated, and urged people with chronic diseases to visit physicians prior to leaving Qatar to check their health conditions and to obtain the prescribed medicines during the whole season of Haj.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 of the Qatari Haj mission has contracted with a specialised hospital in Makkah Al Mukaramah adjacent to the Qatari pilgrims' residence for cases that require admission to the hospital.He pointed out that the medical unit is on a high alert to treat urgent cases, with priority given for treatment in the hospital, adding that co-ordination and co-operation will be made with other hospitals in Mina to ensure pilgrims' safety and health during the whole period of their stay at the Holy sites.