MAKKAH/RIYADH: The Health Ministry is to set up a high-tech laboratory to check pilgrims for H1N1 virus at Arafat, said Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah.

“There is no need to worry or panic about this disease which is like any other seasonal flu. All necessary steps have been taken to deal with the infection,” said Al-Rabeah while inspecting health facilities at the holy sites on Friday.

“A special feature of the hospitals, which are equipped with advanced medical apparatus, is that they could be converted into intensive care units if the need arises,” he added.

He said that health centers have also been opened at the pilgrims’ city in Jeddah where a new 100-bed hospital has been opened.

Al-Rabeah also visited health centers in Arafat and a new 219-bed hospital that was built in Mina. There are 15 clinics in Mina with a total capacity of 140 beds. In Makkah, there are some 100 clinics with 1,000 beds to serve pilgrims. A fleet of over 150 ambulances, including 85 small vehicles, have also been deployed.

The minister also inaugurated the King Saud Hospital during his tour on Thursday. The new hospital has 125 beds.The ministry, meanwhile, is to begin on Saturday a telephone service for pilgrims to get instant health advice.

The service, “Health of the Guests of God,” is mainly aimed at preventing swine flu and will be formally launched in the presence of senior ministry officials at its call center in Riyadh.

“We have a team of experts attending calls to give instant replies to callers who seek medical advice during their pilgrimage,” said Amal Abu Al-Jedaie, who heads the project at the ministry. The medical team comprises consultants, cardiologists, specialists, pharmacists and dentists.

The program is handled by a group of Saudi women who work at the ministry and its hospitals in Riyadh. Abu Al-Jedaie said a similar program during Ramadan was a massive hit.

Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Al-Mirghalani, who is overseeing the program, told Arab News that the project was mainly aimed at local pilgrims and would benefit families the most.

He added that the ministry’s officials would also distribute literature concerning personal hygiene to pilgrims entering the holy sites. The phone-in service, which is in Arabic, is available on toll free number 800 249 4444. Lines are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Haj period.

— With input from Hamid Al-Sulami