MEA: 98 Indians died of natural causes during hajj
- In Reports
- 09:39 PM, Jun 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
98 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia during hajj this year, according to the government. The Foreign Ministry stated that all deaths were due to "natural causes." This year, 175,000 Indians have travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The government assured that they are committed to supporting Indians during the pilgrimage.
As of now, around ten countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam that every Muslim with the means is required to complete at least once. This year's Hajj, dictated by the lunar Islamic calendar, occurred again during the intense Saudi summer heat.
The pilgrimage involves extensive hours of walking and prayer, even as temperatures in Saudi Arabia soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) this week. The challenging conditions highlight the physical endurance required during Hajj.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat-related illnesses contribute to at least half a million deaths globally each year. However, the WHO also cautions that the actual number could be up to 30 times higher.
The Union Health Ministry has revealed a document outlining plans for health services and how they can be accessed by pilgrims.
The medical care arrangements involve updating the medical screening and fitness certificate procedures for evaluating the health of hajj applicants in India. Health cards will be issued to specific pilgrims for their journey, vaccines will be supplied to states to conduct vaccination camps, health desks will be established at embarkation points, healthcare personnel will be deployed, and medical infrastructure will be established at various locations.
Image Source: Amar Ujala
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