New Delhi [India], Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra released a document titled 'Health Care Arrangements for Haj Pilgrimage' here today in collaboration with the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Also present were Mohammed Shahid Alam, Consulate General of India in Jeddah (who joined virtually), WHO representatives and other stakeholders, an official statement said on Friday.
Haj represents the largest and longest-running annual mass gathering event in the world. The responsibility for healthcare arrangements lies with the Emergency Medical Assistance Division and International Health Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
On the occasion, Apurva Chandra stated that "this document lays out the roadmap for health services and how pilgrims can avail these services." Noting that this is only the second year since health responsibilities were assigned to the Ministry of Union Health, stated that "the experience has provided important lessons to improve health services. Around 120,000 pilgrims undertook the Haj pilgrimage this year from India." , of which approximately 40,000 are people over 60 years of age. Given this year's harsh weather conditions, health concerns have necessitated round-the-clock services for pilgrims. Last year, oral health and dental care services were added. experience." The Union Health Secretary also added that nearly 2 lakh OPDs have been conducted this year, along with visits by medical teams to pilgrims.
Apurva Chandra stated that with the help of NIC, a live portal has been developed that provides real-time data and analysis on pilgrims seeking medical care and the services being provided. "We are carrying out continuous monitoring and this will help us significantly improve our services, so that we become a model of excellence for other countries to emulate," she added.
The Union Health Secretary said, "It is a matter of pride to help our citizens wherever they are. Whether it is evacuating our students from Ukraine or helping our people who were trapped in the Kuwait fire, India always has been at the forefront of helping its citizens." He claimed that India has even helped citizens of other countries, including European countries, who sought its help during the crisis. LS Changsan, additional secretary, MoHFW, emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare planning for such a large gathering, especially in the demanding climate of Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the strategic placement of medical equipment in Makkah and Madinah to facilitate the convenience of pilgrims and the collaboration between MoHFW and NIC in creating a portal for real-time access to data on admissions and operations of the health mission. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the medical teams in Saudi Arabia who are still there and working hard to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims. He praised the dedication of all stakeholders including the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Haj Committee of India, National Informatics Center (NIC), WHO India, HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), Central Government Hospitals, All AIIMS and all states and institutions across the country for their support in this endeavour.
Shahid Alam, Consular General of India in Jeddah, highlighted that the publication of the document is vital to institutionalize the healthcare system for Indian pilgrims. He explained the experiences in the field and the challenges faced during the Haj. Appreciating the efforts of the Indian medical staff, he informed that the medical services provided by the Indian health mission were also highly valued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The healthcare arrangements provided by the Union Health Ministry include review of medical examination and fitness certificate used to assess the health and physical fitness of Haj applicants in India, providing health cards to select Haj pilgrims for their trip and stay in KSA, providing vaccines to the states. to organize vaccination camps, establish health counters at boarding points, depute health personnel with the support of MoMA and establish medical infrastructure at various sites in KSA chosen by MoMA.Jitendra Prasad, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Shobhit Gupta, JS, Ministry of Civil Aviation; L Swasticharan, Deputy Managing Director and Director, EMR; Ankur Yadav, Under Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were present on the occasion.
Haj represents the largest and longest-running annual mass gathering event in the world. The responsibility for healthcare arrangements lies with the Emergency Medical Assistance Division and International Health Division of the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
On the occasion, Apurva Chandra stated that "this document lays out the roadmap for health services and how pilgrims can avail these services." Noting that this is only the second year since health responsibilities were assigned to the Ministry of Union Health, stated that "the experience has provided important lessons to improve health services. Around 120,000 pilgrims undertook the Haj pilgrimage this year from India." , of which approximately 40,000 are people over 60 years of age. Given this year's harsh weather conditions, health concerns have necessitated round-the-clock services for pilgrims. Last year, oral health and dental care services were added. experience." The Union Health Secretary also added that nearly 2 lakh OPDs have been conducted this year, along with visits by medical teams to pilgrims.
Apurva Chandra stated that with the help of NIC, a live portal has been developed that provides real-time data and analysis on pilgrims seeking medical care and the services being provided. "We are carrying out continuous monitoring and this will help us significantly improve our services, so that we become a model of excellence for other countries to emulate," she added.
The Union Health Secretary said, "It is a matter of pride to help our citizens wherever they are. Whether it is evacuating our students from Ukraine or helping our people who were trapped in the Kuwait fire, India always has been at the forefront of helping its citizens." He claimed that India has even helped citizens of other countries, including European countries, who sought its help during the crisis. LS Changsan, additional secretary, MoHFW, emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare planning for such a large gathering, especially in the demanding climate of Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the strategic placement of medical equipment in Makkah and Madinah to facilitate the convenience of pilgrims and the collaboration between MoHFW and NIC in creating a portal for real-time access to data on admissions and operations of the health mission. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the medical teams in Saudi Arabia who are still there and working hard to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims. He praised the dedication of all stakeholders including the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Haj Committee of India, National Informatics Center (NIC), WHO India, HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), Central Government Hospitals, All AIIMS and all states and institutions across the country for their support in this endeavour.
Shahid Alam, Consular General of India in Jeddah, highlighted that the publication of the document is vital to institutionalize the healthcare system for Indian pilgrims. He explained the experiences in the field and the challenges faced during the Haj. Appreciating the efforts of the Indian medical staff, he informed that the medical services provided by the Indian health mission were also highly valued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The healthcare arrangements provided by the Union Health Ministry include review of medical examination and fitness certificate used to assess the health and physical fitness of Haj applicants in India, providing health cards to select Haj pilgrims for their trip and stay in KSA, providing vaccines to the states. to organize vaccination camps, establish health counters at boarding points, depute health personnel with the support of MoMA and establish medical infrastructure at various sites in KSA chosen by MoMA.Jitendra Prasad, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Shobhit Gupta, JS, Ministry of Civil Aviation; L Swasticharan, Deputy Managing Director and Director, EMR; Ankur Yadav, Under Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were present on the occasion.
