RIYADH, 26 December 2005 — The Ministry of Health has started a phone-in service for Haj pilgrims seeking health advice.
Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie officially launched yesterday the service called Saha Ziyufur Ar Rahman (Health for the Guests of Allah).
The service is available by dialing 01-291-6754 which will greet the callers with “Labaik Allahumma Labaik” and then divert them to a medical officer. The Arabic-language service is open from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. through Jan. 10.
“We have a team of experts attending the calls who will give instant replies to callers who seek medical advice during the pilgrimage,” Amal Moawiya Abu Al-Jedaie, who heads the project at the ministry, told Arab News.
The medical team is composed of consultants, cardiologists, specialists, pharmacists and dentists. The program is handled by a group of Saudi women who are working at the ministry and its city hospitals here.
Al-Jedaie recalled that the “Hello Ramadan” program during the holy month was a big hit and she hoped that this service also would attract a large number of pilgrims.
“On the first day we received more than 75 calls from men and women from Jeddah,” she said, adding that the ministry expects a four-time increase in the number of calls after the formal launch.
Jedaie said that men suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension were asking about their dose of medicines and how they should store their insulin during the pilgrimage, while women were mostly concerned on their children and inquiring about vaccine and matters concerning their menstrual cycle and how to prevent it during the pilgrimage.
“We assure all callers strict confidentiality of the information provided during their telephone inquiries,” she stressed.
Khaled Mirghalani, the ministry spokesman who oversees the program, told Arab News that the project mainly targets local pilgrims and will be beneficial for families, since the ministry has deployed women consultants. He added that the ministry officials would also distribute each family a packet of booklets and brochures concerning personal hygiene during their stay in the holy cities.
