MINA, 31 December 2006 — The Ministry of Economy’s department in charge of statistics announced yesterday that 2,378,636 pilgrims are performing Haj this year through legal channels. The announcement said 1,654,407 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom from abroad while 724,229 local Haj permits were issued. The actual number is considered to be higher when considering the undocumented pilgrims that perform Haj illegally.
All Well on the Health Front
The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that 9,821 ministry employees are providing services for pilgrims this year. Khaled Al-Mirghalani, the Health Ministry’s official spokesman, said that the health status of the pilgrims is reassuring and that there have been no serious contagious ailments or outbreaks reported. The ministry said it has so far addressed 75,553 cases, including 49,899 medical examinations. At least 3,012 pilgrims were taken to emergency rooms, it said.
Warning Against Gas Cookers
The Fire Department is warning pilgrims about the dangers of using gas cookers in their tents. They also stressed the importance of having a fire extinguisher nearby. The dangers of cooking in the open in the presence of strong winds were also made clear. Fire Department employees were instructed to prevent anyone found using gas cylinders. In 1997, 343 pilgrims were killed and some 1,500 were injured due to a fire in the Mina tent city.
Emergency Services on Full Alert
The Red Crescent Society continued its efforts yesterday in providing emergency services to the Jamrat area. An estimated 50 emergency teams are utilized and more than 70 staff members that include 32 doctors and five fully equipped buses. Several focal points were set up where emergency care was available.
