Netty Prasetiyani Aher, a member of the Indonesian Parliament\u2019s (DPR\nRI) Hajj Oversight Team, has emphasised that the implementation of\nhealth capability (istitha\u2019ah) for prospective Hajj pilgrims requires\nserious attention. While the 2026 Hajj operations proceeded reasonably\nwell, she argued that evaluating the health aspects of pilgrims remains\nvital to improving service quality for future seasons.<\/p>\n
According to Netty, the understanding of Hajj capability has often\nbeen limited to financial capacity alone. However, physical health is a\nprimary requirement that must be met before anyone departs for the\npilgrimage. \u201cHajj capability means that departing pilgrims must be\ndeclared capable. This is not just about the ability to pay the costs,\nbut also capability in terms of health,\u201d Netty stated in a briefing on\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
Based on direct supervision in Saudi Arabia, Netty found that many\nIndonesian pilgrims depart in vulnerable health conditions. A large\nportion of these are elderly individuals with underlying conditions such\nas hypertension, heart disease, and kidney failure. One particularly\nconcerning finding was the presence of pilgrims with end-stage cancer\nbeing permitted to travel, which Netty noted causes immense suffering\nduring the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
She explained that the challenges in the Holy Land extend beyond high\ntemperatures. The density of religious activities, long walking\ndistances, and the concentration of millions of pilgrims from various\nnations impose a significant physical burden, especially on the elderly\nand those with chronic illnesses. She cited the peak rituals at Arafat,\nMuzdalifah, and Mina as requiring prime physical condition.<\/p>\n
Netty noted that many pilgrims require specialised medical\nassistance, with some needing ambulances for mobility and others\nrequiring intensive medical supervision. Consequently, she stressed the\nimportance of strengthening health screening systems well in advance of\ndeparture. Beyond medical examinations, she suggested continuous\nguidance through programmes such as follow-up care, family education,\nroutine health checks, medication compliance, and nutritional\nmanagement.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Netty called for greater synergy between the Ministry of\nHajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Health, local governments, community\nhealth centres (Puskesmas), and hospitals to ensure pilgrim readiness.\nShe also highlighted the need to increase the number of medical\npersonnel assigned to each flight group (kloter) for future operations\nto ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dpr-hajj-oversight-team-highlights-health-capability-concerns-calls-for-stricter-screening-1780867105", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }