JEDDAH, 26 December 2002 — In an effort to provide maximum health services to the millions of pilgrims expected to flock to both Makkah and Madinah in the next two months, the Ministry of Health has taken a number of emergency measures at the pilgrim cities.
They include emergency medical evacuation of patients to hospitals and health centers , steps to stop both chemical and organic pollution, commissioning of the Muaisem emergency-treatment complex, advanced first aid equipment and trained staff to be deployed at various points near the Jamrah bridge and 200 ambulances to carry sick pilgrims to hospitals.
Special arrangements have also been made to provide instant assistance to sunstroke and dehydration victims.
Specialized medical centers have been set up at the holy sites where advanced treatments are available. They include dental clinics, centers for medical rehabilitation, diabetes, treatment of poisoning, and kidney complaints.
There are also arrangements for vaccination against meningitis and other dangerous diseases sometimes carried by both domestic and foreign pilgrims.
Another step taken to check the breakout of any contagious diseases is a strict surveillance on the quality of water and food supplied to pilgrims. Garbage including medical wastes will be disposed of hygienically to fend off diseases-carrying vermin.
The health ministry has also taken step to make sure that the accommodations provided to pilgrims are perfectly hygienic.
Medical facilities and health centers in both the holy cities have been the expanded and upgraded to meet the situation.
