As the restrictions are strictly enforced by local authorities, Indonesian health workers are unable to set up health posts at the lodgings, Wuryanto explained.
"Our health workers are only allowed to carry out initial examinations, the rest must be referred to the hospital. This is a challenge because our health workers are not familiar with the Saudi Arabia hospital referral system," he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
As a result, Indonesian Hajj health workers are forced to carry out door-to-door visits to examine pilgrims in their rooms. This is inefficient and increases the burden on medical personnel, he added.
Wuryanto also drew attention to the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Mecca, which is operating without official permission from local authorities.
The clinic is housed in a hotel building; therefore, as per Saudi Arabian regulations, it does not meet the requirements for a health service facility, he explained.
"However, the KKHI has been very helpful in taking care of pilgrims during their recovery period after being treated in the hospital," he said.
Related news: Indonesia's Hajj team reviews services for pilgrims at Saudi hospitals
"Due to the lack of facilities, pilgrims who have not fully recovered are now immediately returned to the hotel, even though they need further monitoring," he added.
Therefore, he urged the government to establish an Indonesian hospital in Mecca as a long-term strategic step to improve health service quality, communication, and pilgrim comfort.
This will require official cooperation with the Saudi Arabian government. However, it is important considering the large number of Indonesians making the Hajj pilgrimage every year and the increasingly complex need for health services.
"We need (health) facilities managed by Indonesia, with our health workers who are familiar with the culture and language of the pilgrims. This concerns the safety of our citizens in Saudi Arabia," he said.
Related news: Indonesian Hajj pilgrims receive enhanced Saudi healthcare access
Translator: Mecca Yumna N P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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