Do not wait until thirsty (to drink). This is essential to prevent dehydration and heat stroke because they are among the causes of deaths in pilgrimsJakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health drew attention to the threat posed by dehydration and heat stroke to Hajj pilgrims amid the extremely high temperatures in Saudi Arabia during the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage.
"Do not wait until thirsty (to drink). This is essential to prevent dehydration and heat stroke because they are among the causes of deaths in pilgrims," Head of the Hajj Health Center at the Ministry of Health Budi Sylvana stated during a press conference on Thursday.
Sylvana noted that this year's Hajj pilgrims would, in most likelihood, face extremely high temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the pilgrimage.
Hence, Hajj pilgrims are advised to wear head cover and sunblock and diligently maintain adequate water intake to prevent dehydration.
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The health minister also called on the Hajj pilgrims to avoid excessive fatigue. Pilgrims are urged to stay focused on other obligatory Hajj worship activities.
On the occasion, he also stated that for this year's Hajj pilgrimage, the Ministry of Health had tasked 776 health officers with providing health services to the pilgrims.
The number of officers this year decreased from the previous year, i.e., 1,832 officers.
"Indeed, in terms of the quantity, there is a decrease. However, in terms of types, there is an increase," he pointed out.
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According to Sylvana, medical specialists provided by the Ministry of Health during the implementation of the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage comprised internal medicine specialists, pulmonary specialists, heart and blood vessel specialists, and neurologists.
The ministry also provides orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, psychiatrists, medical rehabilitation specialists, anesthesiologists, emergency medical specialists, aviation medicine specialists, and clinical microbiology specialists.
"Clinical microbiology specialists are tasked with controlling the prevention of infection while in Saudi Arabia because of the ongoing pandemic situation during this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Thus, all anticipatory measures must be taken," he remarked.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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