DPR Hajj Task Force Calls for Government to Provide Specialist Psychiatrists

The DPR Hajj Task Force has called on the government to increase the number of specialist psychiatrists and psychologists for Hajj operations. Netty Prasetiyani Aher, a task force member, stated that the mental health of pilgrims has not received proportional attention despite physical stressors like extreme weather, overcrowding, and environmental changes exacerbating psychological issues, particularly among elderly pilgrims. ‘Cases of dementia affecting pilgrims must be addressed by the government by ensuring adequate provision of specialist psychiatrists and psychologists,’ Netty said in Mecca on Monday 25 May.

She explained that most Indonesian pilgrims are elderly with multiple comorbidities, increasing the risk of mental health issues and disorientation, particularly during peak Hajj rituals. The DPR task force also received input from field medics regarding the need for other specialists, such as orthopaedic, dental, and ophthalmic doctors, to expedite pilgrim care without referring them to Saudi hospitals.

‘We have received feedback from healthcare professionals to expand the authority of orthopaedic specialists so that cases manageable at clinics do not need referral to Saudi hospitals,’ Netty explained. She stressed that strengthening mental health services and medical specialisations is crucial to reduce treatment delays amid high religious activity and crowded pilgrim numbers in the Holy Land. Netty said future Hajj healthcare must go beyond physical care and anticipate psychological and mental health issues, particularly for vulnerable and elderly groups.