The Pakistani religious affairs ministry announced on Tuesday that the Pakistani Hajj mission has established a dedicated facility in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, to provide free medical treatment to Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage. The facility includes separate wards for men and women, a minor operation theatre, and a team of highly skilled doctors, nurses, and medical staff equipped with all the necessary healthcare resources. Dr. Waleed, a member of the Pakistani Hajj mission, stated that the hospital in Madinah offers 24-hour health services, including emergency care and ward retention facilities.

The medical staff at the facility are available round the clock to treat pilgrims for viral and seasonal infections, as well as acute illnesses. Additionally, the facility provides outpatient services, a retention facility, and a dispensary where patients receive free medications. Pilgrims who have visited the facility expressed their satisfaction with the healthcare arrangements made by the Pakistani government in Madinah, highlighting the thorough examination and treatment they received. Some were advised to return for follow-up visits after a few days.

The Hajj pilgrimage is an annual spiritual journey that every financially capable and physically able Muslim adult, regardless of gender, is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah. This year, Saudi Arabia has restored Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and waived the upper age limit of 65. Around 80,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform the Hajj under the government scheme, while the remaining pilgrims will be facilitated by private tour operators.

On Tuesday, the first group of 773 Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Makkah from Madinah to begin the annual Hajj pilgrimage. As part of the ongoing Hajj flight operation, more than 20,000 Pakistani pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia. The operation, which commenced on May 21, continues to facilitate the journey of Pakistani pilgrims to the Kingdom.