Shortage of Healthcare Workers Haunts Pilgrims, DPR Hajj Oversight Team Speaks Out

The 2026 DPR Hajj Oversight Team has received reports regarding the scarcity of healthcare workers serving pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season. These reports were received during a visit to the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Makkah on Saturday morning.

During the visit, the Vice Chairperson of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Nihayat oful Mafiroh, who is also a member of the 2026 Hajj Oversight Team, received reports that the number of healthcare workers serving Hajj pilgrims this year is only around 700 people. This small number is tasked with serving more than 200,000 pilgrims.

Healthcare workers at the KKHI shared that as a result of this reduction in personnel, their workload has become extremely heavy. Due to the decrease, one doctor and one nurse are now required to serve at least 360 to 445 pilgrims, working 24-hour shifts every day. Furthermore, if medical staff must conduct visits or referrals to hospitals, pilgrims are left unattended.

Nihayatul stated that the lack of medical personnel is a significant issue. For the medical staff, the shortage of personnel undoubtedly places a massive burden on their workload. This shortage also poses potential risks to the Hajj pilgrims.

“Furthermore, there is a new policy in Saudi hospitals stating that for every two sick individuals, there must be one attendant, and that attendant must be an official,” she said.

Commission IX member Netty Prasetiyani Heryawan expressed concern that the reduction in healthcare workers could lead to problems during the peak of worship at Armuzna. Given the current high temperatures in Saudi Arabia, she fears that many pilgrims may easily become fatigued and ill. Additionally, Netty noted that the number of elderly pilgrims is quite dominant this year.

“Many have certainly voiced today that the number of healthcare workers should be returned to the 2023 scheme,” she added.