The Saudi health ministry has launched a health awareness kit in eight languages, including Urdu, to promote the health and wellbeing of Hajj pilgrims. This initiative aims to support the large number of pilgrims, including 179,210 from Pakistan, who will perform Hajj this year.
The kit provides essential information on preventing heat-related illnesses, managing chronic diseases, and accessing free health services during Hajj. It also includes short videos, social media assets, and printable posters to effectively disseminate crucial health information.
To further ensure the health and safety of pilgrims, the Saudi government has deployed around 400 medical and paramedical officers across dedicated healthcare facilities including hospitals and dispensaries. These measures are crucial given the high number of fatalities during recent Hajj pilgrimages, including 1,301 deaths last year out of which 35 were Pakistani citizens. It is essential that Pakistanis setting out for pilgrimage this year are well-informed and take full advantage of the available health resources.
Muhammad Bakhtiyar
Turbat
