TH dispenses best medical services to Haj pilgrims

Tabung Haji (TH) is ready to provide the best medical treatment including by specialist doctors at any time required to enable Malaysian pilgrims to perform their Haj in the Holy Land without a hitch.

TH 1438 Hijrah Haj delegation (Medical) deputy chief, Dr Mohammad Faid Abd Rashid said the medical team comprised 18 specialist doctors, 40 medical officers and 217 medical support personnel to provide services to 30,200 Malaysian pilgrims this year.

He said the number also included 63 assistant medical officers and 66 nurses, besides dentists, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, dietitians, laboratory officers and physiotherapists.

"In Makkah, we have the TH Syisyah Treatment Centre with a 197-bed capacity and an isolation room for contagious cases.

"In addition, we have 34 beds at the TH Al Jaffery Treatment Centre in Abraj Al-Janadriyah Hotel, Madinah," he told Malaysian reporters when met the at the Syisyah treatment centre, here.

Dr Mohammad Faid said TH also provided a clinic for every three zones of pilgrims' lodgings in Madinah, and 22 clinics at the accommodation premises in Makkah.

"All cases can be referred to the treatment centres in Makkah and Madinah as we have many specialist doctors except in chronic cases requiring respiratory aid or blood transfusion.

"Such cases will be referred to the Saudi hospitals for further treatment...it's the same for surgery for broken bones."

He said besides treatment centres and clinics, TH also had a medical team stationed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and another at Prince Mohammad Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

"We also provide medical attention and emergency treatment at the Jumum rest stop on the route between Madinah and Makkah," he said.

Dr Mohammad Faid said the TH medical team would identify Malaysian Haj pilgrims with health risks and assist them during the Wukuf at Mount Arafah.

Meanwhile, the pilgrims are advised to look after their health by drinking lots of water, avoiding from being exposed for too long under the hot sun, taking their medicines as scheduled, and by wearing a face mask, while those with diabetes should also wear a pair of slippers or shoes.

Dr Mohammad Faid said last week alone, there were 6,481 outpatients receiving treatment at the TH treatment centres and clinics, mostly for respiratory tract infection, skin problems and muscular or joint pains.

He said 125 pilgrims were treated at the treatment centres and 17 referred to the local hospitals for heart problems and serious wounds due to diabetes, besides lung infection.

-- BERNAMA