Malerkotla Health Dept vaccinating, educating Haj pilgrims

As the Union government, through Haj Committee of India, has mandated comprehensive arrangements for the health of the pilgrims, the Malerkotla Health Department is vaccinating and educating the people planning to undertake the pilgrimage, officials said.

They said the authorities are also conducting medical screenings of the pilgrims from across the district and beyond.

Punjab State Haj Committee chairperson Maulana Mohammad Khalil Qasmi supervised the arrangements and Malerkotla MLA Mohammad Jamil Ur Rahman was the chief guest during one such event on Tuesday, the officials said.

Dr Sukhwinder Singh, senior medical officer, Malerkotla Civil Hospital, led a team of healthcare personnel on the occasion.

MLA Rahman said 306 out of 310 aspirants were provided mandatory vaccination after medical examinations. “Those who can’t attend regular camps can avail services at the Civil Hospital by taking prior appointment,” said Rahman.

“We have advised personnel concerned in the administration and the Health Department to ensure that safety and health of pilgrims is not compromised at any cost,” said Rahman, maintaining that doctors were advised to explain various advisories to all pilgrims.

The Haj Committee of India has issued an advisory for pilgrims and their attendants, if any.

Though emergency medical services would be available at almost all the stages of the pilgrimage, people were advised to get medical examination from their family doctors before setting off on the journey. As per the advisory, the people were asked to carry prescriptions and treatment charts in case they are undergoing treatment, if any.

Doctors recommended staying hydrated during Haj, using sunscreen while moving in the sun and using a mask to prevent droplet infection.

Meningococcal vaccine and vaccine for protection from seasonal influenza were administered to the aspiring pilgrims, the officials added.

The pilgrims were also advised to procure travel health policy.