Saudi Army not behind in reaching out to Hajis

RIYADH: When it comes to Haj, the Saudi Armed Forces (SAF) is not behind in doing its own share to help Hajis perform pilgrimage during the current Haj season, according to online publication Sabq.
It has done this through its various departments. The Public Administration for Religious Affairs (PARA) has set up various centers for the treatment of sunstroke and heat stress among the pilgrims in Mina.
This comes within the context of SAF’s awareness of the extension of services to the pilgrims in coordination with relevant authorities and various sectors.
The Department of Medical Services (DMS) also provides services through the SAF’s hospital in the holy places in Mina and the Center for Armed Forces Family Medicine, in addition to many clinics.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Al-Amir, the commander of medical mission of the Saudi Armed Forces in Haj, said the services include a number of doctors and nurses.
“The participation of the SAF’s medical services mission includes a number of preventive and curative health functions of the pilgrims,” he said.
He said this is being done through the operation of SAF hospitals in the holy places, in addition to specialized centers for the treatment of sunstroke and heat stress.
The SAF has also formed 20 ambulatory band field fully equipped for the purpose of providing health care to the pilgrims, in addition to the participation of a number of medical evacuation aircraft.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Misfer Al-Issa, SAF commander of religious affairs camps, said the Management of Religious Affairs serves the pilgrims through the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
“The Saudi Ministry of Defense, through its officials or troops, plays host to scientists, conducts lectures and seminars, and establishes scientific lessons, in addition to the distribution of the Holy Qur’an and books in several languages,” he said.