Makkah: Government is providing the best possible primary medical care to Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia free of cost. Talking to our Correspondent Abdul Rehman Cheema in Makkah today, Head of Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission Colonel Dr. Shaheer Jamal said this year’s mission comprises almost 303 medical professionals from both civilian institutions and the armed forces.
According to Radio Pakistan, the team includes medical specialists, surgeons, cardiologists, orthopaedic experts, gynecologists, dermatologists, ENT specialists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, public health experts, and physiotherapists. Among them, there are 72 female doctors and lady health workers, ensuring dedicated care for female pilgrims.
The Director of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission further explained that a central hospital has been established in Makkah with separate 30-bed wards for male and female patients. The facility is equipped with departments for emergency, isolation, pharmacy, pathology, minor operations, dental care, and radiology. The presence of Pakistani professionals in Saudi Arabia is seen as a great blessing, as they can provide medical care in the pilgrims’ native language.
Colonel Dr. Shaheer Jamal also mentioned that a total of twelve field dispensaries are currently operational to provide immediate assistance to the pilgrims. He advised pilgrims to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juices, and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), and recommended carrying an umbrella and spray water bottle while traveling outside during the day.
The Head of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission expressed gratitude to the Saudi Government for its cooperation, noting that the Saudi German Hospital is playing a key role in assisting day-to-day medical operations. He mentioned that arrangements are in place to refer patients with critical conditions to Saudi hospitals, where they receive state-of-the-art medical treatment free of cost. The Saudi Kingdom’s efforts to care for pilgrims from various countries, as a sign of Islamic brotherhood, are commendable.