Haj phone-in service starts today

For the 10th consecutive year, the Ministry of Health will launch its phone-in service for Haj pilgrims today.
The program, which is run by the ministry’s Information Center, is part of its efforts to raise awareness regarding safety measures and hygiene to ensure this Haj season is free of health problems, Khalid Al-Mirghalani, the ministry’s spokesman, told Arab News.
Beginning Sunday, the services will be available on toll-free number 800 249 4444. Ministry officials will also be accessible online on the ministry’s website and via the social networking site Twitter @ saudimoh.
The service, entitled “Health for the guests of God” will be formally launched in the presence of senior health officials at the ministry’s call center in the capital. The phone-in service is available in Arabic and will be open for the public from 8 a.m. for a period of two weeks.
“We have a team of expert call attendants who will be instantly replying to the inquiries of callers seeking medical advice during their pilgrimage to the holy cities,” the spokesman said.
The medical team comprises consultants, cardiologists, medical specialists, pharmacists and dentists. The program is handled by a group of Saudi women who work with the ministry and in its city hospitals here, he added.
The official recalled that the “Hello Ramadan” program, which aired during the holy month of Ramadan was a success and he hoped that this service would also attract a larger number of pilgrims who wanted to avail themselves of the ministry’s services.
“We assure all callers strict confidentiality of the information provided during their telephone inquiries,” he said, adding that men suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension are free to ask questions about their dose of medication and how they should store their insulin during the pilgrimage, while women could inquire about vaccines and matters concerning their menstrual cycle and how to prevent it during the pilgrimage.