155,000 Pakistani pilgrims provided free medical facilities

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has provided free medical treatment facilities to over 155,000 Pakistani pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. According a ministry official, a contingent of 450 doctors and paramedics was deployed in nine dispensaries and one hospital to provide round the clock medical facilities to ailing pilgrims.
As many as 145 doctors remained available in the medical centres. Medicines were provided to the pilgrims free of charge, he said.
The ministry had made elaborated measures to keep vigil and register complaints of Hujjaj (pilgrims) and redress at the earliest. Khuddamul Hujjaj remained alert to guide the pilgrims.
A helpline 042-111725425 was established in Pakistan and 08001166622 in Saudi Arabia for registration of complaints.
This year only 1103 complaints of minor nature were registered and redressed at the earliest, the official added.
He said the Hujjaj had expressed satisfaction over the Hajj arrangements.
A total of 143,368 Hujjaj, including 56,684 of government scheme and 86,684 of private scheme, performed the religious ceremony this year.
The ministry had launched a comprehensive campaign to train and vaccinate the pilgrims at seven Haji camps.
The post-Hajj flight operation would be completed on November 10. The official said the Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) had been asked to return Rs 10 million to the private Hujjaj (pilgrims) for not providing the promised facilities. Camps of some 565 Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) were visited to ascertain the facilities being provided to the Hujjaj. He said this year the Hajj package was less by Rs 24,000 per Haji than the last year.
He said the government had returned around Rs 27,000 to each pilgrim this year. The ceiling of accommodation was reduced from 3,800 to 3,000 riyal per pilgrim, without comprising the quality of buildings.
He said total 108 buildings were hired to accommodate the pilgrims. Similarly, 350 busses were arranged for transporting Hujjaj from residences to the Harram Sharif.