MINA, 1 January 2007 — Thousands of Saudi Boy Scouts help out each Haj, mostly in directing lost pilgrims. But they also serve the Health Ministry’s efforts to provide a healthy Haj for all.
“The ministry recruited this year 280 boy scouts to help in hospitals during Haj,” said Khaled Al-Mirghalani, the ministry spokesman. “The duties of these boy scouts include escorting discharged patients to their camps, giving direction to them inside health care settings, helping out in waiting areas and queuing them in front of the clinics.”
Al-Mirghalani said that he hoped some of these scouts would be positively influenced by the experience and pursues a career in health care.
“I have had a great time learning the basics of primary medical care and how to act in case of fire,” said Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi, a 17-year-old boy scout.
Faisal Al-Rehali, 19, said learning how to deal with unexpected situations has been the most valuable lesson.
When asked if working in a health care setting is making them consider taking up medical profession, the response was mixed.
“I don’t think so,” said Al-Harbi. “I prefer to be in the military.”
Al-Rehali, on the other hand, is in favor of studying medicine. “Being a physician is appealing to me,” he said.
