By Raziq Ali Shah

MAKKAH-AL-MUKARRAMAH, Jun 03 (APP): Head of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission (PHMM) Col Dr Muhammad Shaheer Jamal on Tuesday advised Pakistani pilgrims to take all possible precautionary measures against heatstroke, especially during the Mashair days, due to the possible high heat-wave condition.

“We advise Pakistani pilgrims to avoid sun exposure, particularly during the five Hajj days in Mashair from 8–12 Zilhaj. Drink plenty of water preferably Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS),use umbrellas and spend maximum time in air-cooled or air-conditioned tents and shaded areas,” the PHMM head told APP here.

He said the PHMM is poised to deliver exceptional healthcare services and ensure the safety of Pakistani pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey in Saudi Arabia. However, “they will have to prepare themselves for the severe hot weather conditions.”

He said that the absence of sweating, hot and dry red skin, vomiting and nausea, extreme thirst, dizziness, and unconsciousness are signs and symptoms of heatstroke.

To avoid this, Col Shaheer said, “A person must avoid direct heat exposure, drink plenty of water and juices, use face masks and umbrellas, shower with cold water, avoid hot drinks… and must consult a doctor in an emergency if any of the heatstroke symptoms occur.”

Responding to a question, he said that currently no patient with heatstroke has visited the PHMM, but 9,563 cases of dehydration have been treated in the wards.

He said this year, over 115,000 Pakistanis are going to perform the religious obligation under both government and private Hajj schemes. Although the Pakistan Hajj Mission has made exemplary arrangements this year in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, it will still be a challenging time amid millions of people and extreme heat, so pilgrims must be prepared, he said.

Dr Shaheer said that with 306 dedicated team members and a substantial stock of medicines, the medical mission is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services to Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
He said doctors, nurses, and paramedics are performing duties in shifts around the clock to provide maximum care to the guests of Allah Almighty.

To another question, he said the PHMM has provided free medical treatment to a total of 78,421 intending pilgrims in Saudi Arabia since April 29. Around 171 serious patients have been referred to the Saudi German Hospital for advanced treatment. Out of these, 19 are still admitted while the rest have been discharged, he said.

Dr Shaheer said that 1,230,786 medicines have also been dispensed to pilgrims so far. Regarding diagnostic procedures, he said that 1,375 laboratory tests, 677 X-rays, 984 dental procedures, 144 ultrasounds, and 591 ECGs performed. Additionally, 886 minor surgical procedures have been conducted.

He said the mission team includes a wide range of specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, radiologists, gynecologists, ENT specialists, dentists, and pathologists. For the first time, public health specialists and physiotherapists have also been included, enhancing the mission’s capacity to meet diverse medical needs, he said.
Pakistan has partnered with the internationally recognized Saudi German Hospital Group and established a Supervisory Model to ensure the quality and continuity of care.

He said healthcare facilities set up for the pilgrims include two fully operational hospitals—one in Makkah and one in Madinah—as well as 12 dispensaries (nine in Makkah, two in Madinah, and one in Jeddah).
He said the mission has also implemented a digital data system to manage patient records and plans to publish a research paper at the end of the Hajj season based on the medical trends observed.