Hajj 2019: UAE embarks on medical mission to provide care for pilgrims

A delegation of 70 doctors, nurses and administrators has flown to Saudi Arabia

More than one million people have already arived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj season and the UAE will have a team of health professionals on hand to offer support. AFP

The UAE's medical mission has left for Saudi Arabia to provide vital healthcare on the ground to pilgrims performing Hajj.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has deployed a 70-strong delegation of doctors, nurses and administrators to offer support in the kingdom.

Dr Abdul Al Zarouni, head of MoHAP’s Hajj Medical Mission, said staff have been trained to provide medical assistance and emergency services and to follow-up with patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

He said an electronic system is being used to improve health services for pilgrims and a database has been created to help the medical team intervene swiftly in case of emergencies.

The Hajj Medical Committee provides free check-ups for blood pressure and diabetes.

Pilgrims have been provided with a special card that includes the addresses, numbers, and names of those responsible for the UAE's medical mission in Makkah and Medina so pilgrims may contact them in case of emergencies.

A total of 6,626 UAE citizens will be embarking on the spiritual journey this year.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia every year to take part.

On Thursday, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports said more than 1.3 million pilgrims had already arrived in the country.