More than 1000 people are said to have died so far during Haj 2024. 356 doctors and paramedics deputed for medical care of Haj pilgrims
With over a 1000 people already dead at this year’s Haj because of heat-related illnesses, the ministry of health has put in place an elaborate healthcare mechanism for the pilgrims.
Heat is the top concern as per the document unveiled by health secretary Apurva Chandra. A total of 356 doctors and paramedics have been deputed for medical care of Haj pilgrims, about 2 lakh OPDs conducted and around 1,75,025 pilgrims visited this year.
According to the document titled, “Medical Care Arrangements for Haj Pilgrimage”, temperatures in the 49-50 degree Celsius range pose grave danger to the health of pilgrims. “Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are prevalent health concerns during Haj, exacerbated by the scorching temperatures and physically demanding rituals. Pilgrims, often inadequately acclimatized, engage in strenuous activities in exposed areas with limited shade, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration,” it says.
Haj represents the largest and most enduring annual mass gathering event globally. The responsibility for medical care arrangements lies with the Emergency Medical Relief Division and the International Health Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
On the occasion, Chandra said: “This document lays the roadmap of the health services and how those services can be availed of by the pilgrims.” Noting that this is only the second year since the healthcare responsibilities have been assigned to the Union Health Ministry, he stated that “the experience has provided significant learnings for improving the healthcare services. Around 1,75,025 pilgrims undertook the Haj pilgrimage this year from India, of which approximately 40,000 are elderly people were above the age of 60. In view of the harsh weather conditions this year, the health challenges have necessitated round the clock services for the pilgrims. Last year, oral health and dental care services have been added learning from the past experience”
