Deputy Minister of Hajj Urges Health Officials to Remain Alert for Second Wave of Pilgrims
Madinah (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has requested that health officials in Madinah increase their preparedness for the arrival of the second wave of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from Makkah. According to the Deputy Minister, the second wave requires special attention as they arrive in Madinah after completing the pilgrimage rituals in Makkah, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). This sequence of activities carries a high potential for physical exhaustion among pilgrims.
“We must be careful, as this is the second wave. They will certainly be tired from the heavy workload there. Especially after the peak of the Hajj, they will return here to perform Arbain and other activities, which can lead to cumulative fatigue,” Dahnil stated in Madinah on Saturday.
He noted that Hajj health officials must actively monitor pilgrims rather than merely waiting for them to seek medical services. He urged the staff at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Madinah and sector-based health teams to strengthen coordination to ensure pilgrim conditions are monitored from the outset. “They must be on standby and active. In addition to services provided here, visitation teams to the sectors must also be operational,” said Dahnil.
During his visit, the Deputy Minister also inspected service readiness, medicine availability, and the support for distributing health supplies to various sectors in Madinah. He emphasised that healthcare services must be rapid, responsive, and reach all pilgrims, particularly the elderly and those at high health risk. “Ensure that service requirements here are ready, including medicines and distribution to the sectors. Pilgrims must receive fast and high-quality healthcare,” the Deputy Minister added.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation to the Hajj health officials who have remained on alert throughout the Hajj operational period. He urged all staff to maintain their stamina and continue working with a spirit of service. “We thank all Hajj health officials. Please maintain your health, stay alert, and provide the best service for our pilgrims,” he said.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has ensured that strengthening healthcare services in Madinah is a vital component of the post-Armuzna phase and the movement of the second wave of pilgrims. In addition to services at the KKHI, health monitoring will be conducted through sectors and visitation teams to ensure pilgrims remain safe and protected during their stay in Madinah until their return to Indonesia.