Health Ministry Warns Hajj Pilgrims of Extreme Heat Temperatures

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Health Ministry urged hajj pilgrims to be aware of extremely hot weather reaching 50 degrees Celsius that possibly hit Saudi Arabia during the upcoming pilgrimage 1442 Hijri.

“Don't wait until feeling thirsty [to drink water]. This is important to prevent dehydration and heat stroke because it is one of the factors that cause death for pilgrims,” said Health Ministry's Hajj Health Center Head Budi Sylvana.

Pilgrims are also advised to wear head coverings and sunscreen, as well as drink regularly to prevent dehydration. “As in our tagline this year, 'Jangan Tunggu Haus',” he added.

Budi also asked pilgrims to avoid excessive fatigue. “Performing sunnah prayers are allowed but focus first on the obligatory hajj procession,” he said.

The Health Ministry is set to deploy 776 health workers to ensure the health of pilgrims during the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The figure, however, dropped compared to the previous year of 1,832 people.

“The quantity is indeed decreased, but the health specialization is increased,” Budi explained, outlining 12 specializations, namely internal medicine specialists, lung specialists, heart and blood vessel specialists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgery specialists, psychiatrists, medical rehabilitation specialists, anesthesiologists, emergency medical specialists, aeronautical specialists, and clinical microbiology specialists.

“This clinical microbiology specialist is mobilized to control infection prevention in Saudi Arabia because we know that pandemic is still lurking in this year's hajj, so all anticipative measures must be done,” Budi said.

ANTARA

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