RIYADH: Local Haj pilgrims are being urged to take special health kits with them in light of the swine flu threat.

Over 800,000 local pilgrims from all over the Kingdom will leave for Makkah from Monday to perform their pilgrimage. Pilgrims from the western region, including those in Jeddah, are set to leave on Wednesday.

“Besides taking the required vaccinations against meningitis and swine flu, every pilgrim should have a health kit in case of medical emergency,” head of the ministry’s call center Amal Moawiya Abu Al Jedaie told Arab News on Thursday.

She added Haj group leaders should ensure they have that as well as a standard first aid kit in their vehicles.

Al-Jedaie said pilgrims should have two types of medicines for their journey. The first type includes medication for sudden illnesses such as cold, fever, skin allergies, muscle cramps and stomach disorders. They include paracetamol, cough syrup, skin cream, antiseptic ointment, laxatives and antacid.

The second type includes regular medications that a pilgrim needs for long-standing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. “They should not only take adequate stocks of their daily medicines but know to preserve them in their kit,” Al-Jedaie said.

She said the call center’s Haj phone-in service was flooded with callers from all parts of the Kingdom. Enquiries focused mainly on what type of medicines should be taken during the pilgrimage and how to look after children.

“We have a team of experts attending the calls who give instant replies to those seeking medical advice during their pilgrimage to the holy cities,” Al Jedaie said.

The medical team consists of consultants, cardiologists, specialists, pharmacists and dentists. The service is handled by a group of Saudi women working in the ministry and Riyadh’s city hospitals.

The Saha Ziyufur Ar Rahman (health for the guests of Allah) service is focused on answering swine flu related queries. The service is available in Arabic to the public between 8.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. during Haj. For more information, call toll-free No. 800 249 4444.