MAKKAH, Sept 23 (Bernama) — In preparation for the pinnacle of the Haj ritual – the wukuf (grand assembly) which will take place within 10 days – Haj pilgrims must take extra care of their health.
Malaysia’s medical operations director in Makkah, Dr Mohd Jusoh said, with the hot and dry weather, coupled with the dusty condition, pilgrims were required to drink lots of water.
Pilgrims should wear the face mask when outdoors, as well as avoid going to the Grand Mosque during the heat, as this could affect their health, he told the Malaysian media here today.
The Terengganu health deputy director, said haj pilgrims should also eat food served, according to schedule to avoid consuming stale food which could cause diarrhea.
Mental and physical preparation are important in facing the grand assembly (wukuf) at Arafah, overnight in Mudzalifah and the stoning at Jamarat.
About 80 per cent of the 9,788 patients who sought treatment at the Shisyah Medical Centre and 10 other clinics available at Tabung Haji rest houses suffered from respiratory tract infection which included cold, cough and fever.
Dr Mohd advised those with persistent cough to cover their mouth and turn their face away from others when coughing to avoid the spread of germs.
He said constant medical rounds were also conducted by medical personnel in monitoring the health of pilgrims to ensure they were fit before wukuf.
Attention is focused on those who do not perform the congregational prayer to determine if these pilgrims were sick or have other problems.
The hospitals would ensure all patients were brought to Arafah for the grand assembly in ambulances, said Dr Mohd.
So far, a total of 98 pilgrims have been admitted to the Shisyah Medical Centre, a hospital specialising in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection, complication of diabetes and orthopaedic cases.
Currently, there are 22 in-patients at the 90-bed treatment centre.
Nearly 100 patients have visited the newly-opened dental unit for either tooth extraction or filling, said Dr Mohd.
— BERNAMA
