BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday urged the 20 appointed medical staff who will be accompanying this year’s Haj pilgrims to work as a team.

Health Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof emphasised the importance of teamwork among the Haj Medical Services Unit as they carry out their duties in caring for the pilgrimage, particularly the elderly and pilgrims with chronic diseases.

He said that this is to ensure the pilgrims perform their pilgrimage smoothly.

“It is also important to always visit the Haj pilgrims from time to time and give them health advices such as their food intake, personal hygiene and necessary things like drinking water often to avoid dehydration,” he added.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan was speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for this year’s Haj delegation at the ministry’s Al-Afiah Hall.

In his speech, the minister also urged the appointed health personnel to take extra safety measures and be aware of the rules and regulations had been implemented in Saudi Arabia.

“The appointed personnel must be patient when facing with challenges. They must oblige and embrace the changes made by the Ministry of Haj in Saudi Arabia when performing their tasks,” he added.

During the ceremony, the head delegation for the medical team, Dr Hj Zulhilmi POKHP DSS Hj Abdullah, briefed on several preparations for this year's medical services.

“Supplies of medicines and medical apparatus have been prepared to be sent to Mecca,” he said.

“We will provide several services for the Haj pilgrims such as basic health care services, 24-hour emergency services, pharmacy services and ambulance services,” Dr Hj Zulhilmi added.

The medical officer also revealed the chosen locations for the Brunei Haj Clinic. “In Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the clinic will be located at Hotel Dallah Taibah, while in Makkah Al-mukaramah the clinic will be at the Shisha area, about three kilometers from Masjid Al-Haram.”

The Haj Medical Services Unit had made preliminary preparations for the 400 intending Haj pilgrims this year such as medical check-ups, blood tests, X-rays and health inspections.

Yesterday’s ceremony also saw the minister handed over certificates to 20 appointed health personnel comprising six doctors and 14 nurses, followed by a donation to eight intending Haj pilgrims under MoH.

The intending Haj pilgrims will depart to Saudi Arabia on August 30 and 31, with each flight to be accompanied by two doctors and four nurses.

The Brunei Times