Mina: HE Minister of Public Health, Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, visited the Qatari Hajj Mission's medical clinics in Mina to inspect their preparedness and the medical, therapeutic, and emergency services provided to pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, 1446 AH.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs stated that His Excellency began his visit with a tour of the clinics, met with the medical team-including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists-and listened to a detailed explanation of their workflow, field preparations, shift systems, and emergency response strategies during the Days of Tashreeq.

During the visit, HE the Minister assured that all Qatari pilgrims are safe and in good health. His Excellency expressed pride and reassurance in the plans and preparations implemented by the Qatari Hajj Mission, commending the medical unit and its specialized personnel's significant efforts.

HE the Minister of Public Health highlighted the continuous presence of the medical unit alongside the pilgrims across holy sites and their ability to provide immediate healthcare support under all circumstances. His Excellency emphasized the importance of supporting the Qatari Hajj medical unit by supplying it with all necessary medical staff and supplies, both for the current and future seasons, to ensure the delivery of top-tier healthcare services.

Deputy Head of the Qatari Hajj Mission's medical unit, Dr. Mishal Abdullah Al Musaifri, noted that the Mina clinics operate 24/7 and are staffed by a specialized team working in shifts to ensure an immediate response to any medical case. The clinics are divided into sections for men and women, including triage, examination, consultation, isolation rooms, two pharmacies, and observation rooms for cases requiring close monitoring or urgent intervention.

Dr. Al Musaifri mentioned that the clinics comply with the Saudi Ministry of Health's requirements to ensure the highest safety standards, adding that preventive measures are strictly enforced amidst the crowding and movement in the holy sites. The clinics have treated more than 500 cases since the Day of Tarwiyah, through Arafat, Muzdalifah, and up to the first Day of Tashreeq in Mina, with most cases being mild to moderate, such as throat infections, gastrointestinal issues, general fatigue, and muscle pain.

In terms of health awareness, Dr. Al Musaifri advised pilgrims to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned tents during peak hours, use umbrellas or shaded walkways, wear face masks to prevent infectious diseases, avoid crowds, and delay the stoning ritual until after peak heat. He also recommended elderly or chronically ill pilgrims to take advantage of proxy rituals when needed.

In a related development, the holy sites services unit has outfitted the Mina camps to ensure comfort and privacy for all Qatari pilgrims. Each pilgrim was provided with a high-quality multipurpose seat, a personal table, and a built-in power outlet with mobile phone charging capability. Additionally, each tent includes overhead lockers, dining halls, open buffets, and restroom facilities with the latest equipment.

Qatar's Hajj camps in Mina are equipped with safety and security measures, including an ambulance and service staff to meet pilgrims' needs, as part of the comprehensive services provided by the Qatari Hajj Mission. These efforts are coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, in collaboration with relevant Saudi authorities and the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Qatari medical mission praised the cooperation with Saudi authorities, which has helped create a safe health environment for pilgrims. The Qatari Hajj Mission confirmed that these health efforts align with Qatar's leadership directives, aiming to provide the highest healthcare standards to Qatari pilgrims, in accordance with the National Development Strategy 2024-2030.

The medical unit will continue operating until the end of the Hajj season, with ongoing preparedness and meticulous planning, serving as a model in healthcare services for Qatari pilgrims performing Hajj.