In a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra released a comprehensive document titled "Medical Care Arrangements for Haj Pilgrimage" today. The event saw virtual participation from Shri Mohammed Shahid Alam, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, alongside other key stakeholders.

Haj, recognized as the world's largest and most enduring annual mass gathering, demands meticulous planning and execution of medical care. The responsibility for these arrangements is managed by the Emergency Medical Relief Division and the International Health Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Apurva Chandra emphasized that the document outlines the roadmap for health services available to pilgrims.

This year marks only the second year that the Union Health Ministry has taken on these healthcare responsibilities, providing valuable insights for enhancing services. Around 1,75,025 pilgrims embarked on the Haj pilgrimage from India this year, with approximately 40,000 aged over 60. The challenging weather conditions necessitated continuous medical services. Innovations from last year, such as the inclusion of oral health and dental care services, were built upon this year.

Nearly 2 lakh outpatient department (OPD) consultations were conducted, with medical teams visiting pilgrims to provide care. A live portal developed with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) offers real-time data and analysis on medical care provided to pilgrims, aiding in the continuous improvement of services. Chandra highlighted India's commitment to assisting its citizens globally, referencing efforts in Ukraine and Kuwait, and extending help to citizens from other countries during crises.

L.S. Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, stressed the importance of comprehensive healthcare planning for the pilgrimage, particularly given the demanding climate of Saudi Arabia. Medical teams were strategically positioned in Mecca and Medina for easy access by pilgrims. Changsan praised the collaboration between MoHFW and NIC in creating a portal for real-time data access on medical operations, and commended the medical teams' dedication to ensuring the health and safety of the pilgrims.

Shahid Alam, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, underscored the significance of the document in institutionalizing healthcare arrangements for Indian pilgrims. He shared field experiences and challenges faced during Haj, noting that the medical services provided by the Indian health mission were highly regarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The Union Health Ministry's medical care arrangements include revising the medical screening and fitness certificates for Haj applicants, providing health cards for selected pilgrims, organizing vaccination camps, establishing health desks at embarkation points, and deploying healthcare personnel. Medical infrastructure was set up at various sites in KSA, chosen by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The event concluded with an acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Haj Committee of India, National Informatics Centre, WHO India, HLL Lifecare Limited, Central Government Hospitals, AIIMS, and various states and institutions across the country.