The Ministry of Interior has approved a list of 99 health officials who will be honored for their services toward pilgrims during the Haj last year.
Deputy Health Minister for Planning and Development Mohammed Khoshaim told Arab News Assistant Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif approved the the Haj medals for the officials.
He said recipients would include men and women who served the pilgrims last year in an exemplary manner.
Khoshaim added: “The awards represent the recognition of the government led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the workers who serve during the pilgrimage to help resolve pilgrims’ medical problems.”
Khoshaim, also chairman of the Ministry of Health’s Haj preparatory committee, said the ministry is keen on implementing the vision of King Abdullah, who is keen to look after the millions of pilgrims who come for Haj every year.
He added: “The king said the award is an incentive for health officials who have done their best in serving pilgrims last year.”
According to Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the Haj committee also coordinates with other ministries involved in the operation of Haj activities in the holy areas.
Al-Rabeeah said the functions of the Haj committees were interlinked through an electronic network to ensure integrated health care services.
On special instructions from the minister last year, those who needed treatment were transported to the nearest health facility quickly. Ambulances were available at all strategic points within the holy cities to transport patients to the hospitals.
Pilgrims who needed treatment were mostly victims of accidents or suffered from food poisoning and fatigue.
Last year, the ministry recruited more than 20,000 people for the Haj season.
There were 441 medics in rare medical disciplines including intensive care, respiratory treatment as well as intensive care nursing and emergencies.
As a preventive measure against all epidemic diseases, the ministry deployed officials at all 14 ports of entry to monitor the health condition of pilgrims.
These officials ensured pilgrims had taken the necessary vaccinations and those who had not were given the relevant doses at the ports of entry so they were protected against contagious diseases.
The ministry also had 80 primary health care centers in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah to receive pilgrims during the Haj.
Last year, the ministry updated facilities at these centers. There were 28 in Mina, 46 in Arafat and six in Muzdalifah. Besides these clinics, there were seven hospitals — three in Arafat and four in Mina .
In June, the fourth meeting of the Haj preparatory committee was held under Khoshaim’s chairmanship to prepare for the upcoming pilgrimage season. The committee reviewed the work of its subcommittees to chalk out a comprehensive program for this year.