HEALTH MINISTER URGED TO SERIOUSLY HEED HEALTH OF HAJJ PILGRIMS

Jakarta, Oct 25 (ANTARA) - Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih has been urged to seriously give more attention to the health of prospective hajj pilgrims during their stay at the embarkation points in Indonesia and in Saudi Arabia.

The request was conveyed by Vice Chairman of the House's Commission IX Irgan Chairul Hahfiz here on Sunday.

The preparation also included enough supply of medicines, the anticipation of the spread of swine flu, bird flu, climate change and the availability of medical doctors, he said.

"This has to be done after learning the condition of hajj pilgrims which may succumb to the spread of virus in the location of their stay while performing religious activity," he said.

In addition, there are many senior people who are in need of better health services from the health ministry including cooperation with hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Since 13 October, the health ministry had already sent a three member preliminary team to Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Indonesian hajj prilgrims' health coordinator, Barita Sitompul, said.
In Saudi Arabia, the team will establish a coordination with various sectors including making a better communication with hospitals in Jeddah, Mecca and Madinah.

This should be done in hope of being able to implement this year's hajj activity well in addition to providing a joint pilgrims' health services which can hopefully run unhampered, Barita said.

The number of Indonesians wishing to perform their hajj pilgrimace in Saudi Arabia is about 192,835 who would be flown in 478 flights.

In order to support the health services for hajj pilgrims, the government has to prepare around 1,740 health officials for 1,434 batches. Eact batch has one doctor and one paramedics.

The health officials are exactly a team of hajj pilgrims at the embarkation points in Indonesia and in Saudi Arabia.