Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced that 5,790 visitors accessed their facilities for Hajj-related services during 2023. These services included essential and booster vaccinations before travel, such as meningitis, seasonal influenza, and pneumonia vaccines for pilgrims aged over 65 or with chronic illnesses. EHS highlighted that the waiting time and receiving vaccinations did not exceed 20 minutes.
EHS underscored its partnership with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments to guide prospective Hajj pilgrims on the vital step of visiting healthcare centers sufficiently ahead of their travel to obtain required vaccinations. Additionally, EHS ensured that pilgrims, particularly those with chronic conditions, were medically fit to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. They offered advice on essential medications and preventive measures to mitigate complications of these conditions before embarking on their journey to the sacred lands.
Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS), emphasized the importance of Hajj pilgrims following preventive health measures. These include avoiding heat exhaustion, physical strain during travel, and maintaining a healthy diet. Dr. Lootah also highlighted EHS' collaboration with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments to organize educational workshops and lectures. These initiatives aim to educate a wide range of individuals, including government, local, and private sector employees, as well as university students, on health awareness during the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Dr. Shamsa highlighted that EHS has prepared a comprehensive health guide for pilgrims on its official website. This guide includes essential tips and necessary guidance before, during, and after Hajj season. She also emphasized that EHS has shared numerous awareness messages on social media platforms to enhance health awareness among pilgrims and the community.
Lootah stated that EHS proactively provides necessary medical care for pilgrims, deploying doctors and nurses to accompany them within the official mission. She explained that this support continues during Hajj by supplying medical professionals with the necessary medications. EHS also monitors the health status of pilgrims, especially those with chronic illnesses, after their return from the pilgrimage, during their routine visits to healthcare centers.
Vaccinations are crucial in preventing infectious diseases. Pilgrims must receive the necessary vaccines at least 14 days before traveling. EHS has made these vaccines available at all its primary healthcare centers. The organization stresses the importance of following proper health measures like regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding touching the face, eyes, and mouth with unclean hands to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
It is worth mentioning that EHS collaborates with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, during Hajj season. This collaboration involves directing pilgrims to access healthcare services and medical advice from its affiliated health facilities. Coordination with local and international authorities is ensured to deliver healthcare services effectively. Additionally, arrangements and care for the welfare of pilgrim convoys heading to the holy lands are meticulously organized.