Pakistan Hajj Mission is fully prepared to cope with any health emergency during Hajj.

This was announced by the Head of Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission Brigadier Jamil Ahmed Lakhair while interacting with Pakistan state-media in Makkah Mukaramh today.

The Director said a 400-member dedicated Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission is working around the clock to serve Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia since the start of the month-long pre-Hajj flight operation. He said he is confident that the PHMM is fully equipped, prepared and competent enough to tackle any medical emergency situation, if it arises in a highly professional manner. Sharing the details he said the medical mission includes almost all types of medical specialists, including cardiologists, chest specialists, physiologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists, and dermatologists. He said they are available round the clock to serve the pilgrims.

To a question, he said Pakistan had established two hospitals and 11 dispensaries in the holy cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to provide healthcare for Hajj pilgrims.

Our Correspondent in Makkah Mukaramah Bilal Khan Mehsud reports that Pakistani pilgrims’ residences in Makkah Mukaramah have been divided into nine zones. One zone has the main hospital, while each of the remaining eight zones has a dispensary. The medical staff working in Saudi Arabia consists 70 percent from civilians and 30 percent from the armed forces. He said Patients suffering from serious ailments are referred to Saudi hospitals for further treatment.

Replying to another question, Brigadier Jamil Ahmed Lakhari said that 1300 patients on average are visiting the PHMM health facilities, where free treatment and medicines are provided besides to them.

Brigadier Jamil Ahmed Lakhair appealed the pilgrims to take all possible precautionary measures against heatstroke, following a severe heat warning issued by the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology. He suggested that they should use face masks and umbrellas, avoid sun exposure, and drink plenty of water, preferably Oral Rehydration Salts to maintain their health for the Hajj starting from the 8th of Zilhaj.

Imran Ahmad, a pilgrim from Lahore said the facilities available at the hospital are very good and the pilgrims do not feel like they are outside of their homes. An elderly woman in a wheelchair while praying for Pakistan told Radio Pakistan that availability of such hospitals for Pakistanis in Saudia is a blessing for all.

It is noteworthy that as per his previous record, head of the PHMH , Brigadier Jamil Ahmed Lakhiar is a classified healthcare administrator and public health specialist with vast experience in command, staff and training appointments at various healthcare setups and institutions.