Pakistan’s Hajj Medical team has looked after more than 11,000 pilgrims in Saudi cities Makkah and Madinah during last 3 weeks, according to Dr. Shaheer Jamal, who’s leading the medical mission this year.
This Hajj, expected to be held between June 4-9, will see around 112,620 Pakistanis taking part. About 89k are going through govt scheme, while rest — nearly 23,620 — are using private Hajj operators.
Dr. Jamal, speaking from Makkah, said the team this year has 301 staff members — doctors and paramedics — from both civilian and military background. Team also includes 72 female doctors and health workers.
“So far we treated over 11,194 pilgrims, mostly for dehydration. We see around 2,000 patients daily in Makkah, 40 in Madinah,” he shared.
Mission consists of experts like surgeons, gynecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, ENT and psych doctors, plus pharmacists and physiotherapists. Two hospitals have been setup — one in each holy city. Along with that, there are nine clinics working in Makkah and two in Madinah.
“In Makkah hospital, separate wards of 30 beds made for male and female pilgrims. Smaller hospital with 11 beds running in Madinah,” Dr. Jamal added. “Teams work in three shifts — full-time 24/7 medical help available.”
Departments like emergency, dental, pharmacy, isolation ward, minor operation theater, pathology, and radiology also part of setup. For serious cases, the mission has tied up with Saudi German Hospital.
“Till now, 30 patients referred to Saudi German Hospital,” said Dr. Jamal.
He also thanked Saudi Hajj Ministry and Health Ministry for helping with the medical setup and smooth delivery of medicines and equipment. All medicine was tested beforehand in Pakistan and being given free to pilgrims.
For main Hajj days — in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah — the medical plan has layers. Saudi health teams will lead, but Pakistan’s own doctors will be placed in Mina with first-aid kits, giving fast help to pilgrims before shifting to bigger Saudi hospitals if needed.
Due to hot weather this season, team is handing out awareness material to help people avoid heatstroke. Pamphlets and guidance include tips on drinking enough water, wearing right clothes, spotting danger signs, and when to get medical attention.
Pakistan had begun its Hajj flight operations on April 29. Last flights expected to leave by May 31.
