SAUDI ARABIA: Health Ministry To Upgrade Care of Aged Haj Pilgrims

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Arab news), November 7, 2007: The Ministry of Health will establish computer links between hospitals and pharmacies in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the upcoming Haj season to help hospitals coordinate with pharmacies,” Dr. Ridah M. Khaleel, consultant to the Ministry of Health and head of the ministry’s Haj Committee, said in a statement to Arab News. More health officials will be deployed at the Haj Terminal in Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport and in the Kingdom to look after the health interests of pilgrims. Saudi diplomatic missions abroad have been instructed to issue Haj visas only to pilgrims that have vaccination certificates against meningitis and, depending on the country, other diseases such as yellow fever. Pilgrims coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic should carry with them valid certificates showing that they have been vaccinated against the illness, said the official. The Health Ministry also advises pilgrims, particularly the aged and those with respiratory diseases, diabetes, and kidney, liver and heart complaints, to get vaccinated against influenza. Pilgrims suffering from hypertension, renal disorders and cardiac problems are advised to consult family doctors prior to leaving for Haj and to also bring with them adequate medication and medical reports. The first day of arrival of foreign pilgrims at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah has been fixed for November 11 and will continue until December 14. The closing date for departing pilgrims has been fixed for January 24, 2008. By Mohammed Rasooldeen, Arab News Copyright: Arab News © 2003