Yesterday, 2,776 hajj pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia. Today, 3,169 more hajj pilgrims departJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Religious Affairs Ministry disclosed that 3,169 hajj pilgrims from the Padang, Bekasi, Solo, Surabaya, and Jakarta embarkation points were scheduled to depart for the holy city of Medina on Sunday.
"Yesterday, 2,776 hajj pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia. Today, 3,169 more hajj pilgrims depart," Secretary of the ministry's Haj and Umrah Directorate General Ahmad Abdullah told journalists here on Sunday.
The hajj pilgrims who left Indonesia on Saturday and Sunday for Saudi Arabia to perform this year's annual pilgrimage in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, were expected to arrive in Medina, he said.
The government has urged all Indonesian hajj pilgrims to stay vigilant with Medina's weather condition by limiting their unnecessary outdoor activities.
They are also required to maintain a healthy lifestyle and comply with the health protocols, he added.
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For those in need of medical treatment during their stay in Medina, the Indonesian Government has prepared a health clinic for them.
As recently disclosed by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the Indonesia Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Medina is ready to serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims during this year's Hajj season.
The minister had earlier visited the city to monitor the preparedness of Hajj pilgrim services, including the Hajj health office.
The health clinic was last used in 2019, and with Saudi Arabia having reopened its doors to foreign Hajj pilgrims this year, it will be reactivated by repairing some medical installations, he noted.
The clinic is equipped with an emergency care unit, High Care Unit (HCU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), inpatient facilities, as well as other facilities, such as laboratory and ultrasonography (USG) equipment.
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He noted that some healthcare workers ready to cater to hajj pilgrims at the facility are general practitioners, a dentist, an internist, a pulmonologist, a cardiologist, a neurologist, an anesthesiologist, an otorhinolaryngologist, and mental health experts.
Others healthcare workers that will assist Indonesian Hajj pilgrims at the facility include a nutritionist, a radiologist, a pharmacist, and other supporting officers. Some six ambulances are also ready at the health office, he added.
Qoumas advised prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to maintain their physical health, including by ensuring sufficient food and fluid intake before and during the pilgrimage.
According to the Saudi national meteorological agency, hajj pilgrims this year might face scorching heat conditions during their pilgrimage, as noon temperatures in Mecca and Medina may reach 49 degrees Celsius.
Related news: Pilgrims asked to limit activities outside Hajj rituals
Related news: Ministry asks Hajj pilgrims to limit activities before departure
Translator: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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