Shortness of Breath and Heart Attacks Dominate Medical Emergencies for Hajj Pilgrims at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Medical emergency conditions have become a primary focus during the return process of Hajj pilgrims at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Health Quarantine Office (BBKK), Naning Nugrahini, revealed that heart attacks and shortness of breath are the two most frequently encountered cases among the newly arrived 2026 Hajj pilgrims.

Naning explained that field medical teams often face critical situations, ranging from handling patients mid-flight to immediate care upon landing. “There were cases where CPR was administered on the aircraft, and others who experienced heart attacks or other chronic illnesses immediately upon disembarking,” Naning stated on Wednesday (3/6).

According to her, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) involves providing rapid first aid on-site, followed by immediate referral to the nearest hospital for more intensive follow-up treatment.

To serve the arrival of nearly 1,600 Hajj pilgrims, BBKK Soekarno-Hatta has mobilised a complete medical team operating 24 hours a day. This team comprises various disciplines and expertise to ensure all aspects of the pilgrims’ health are monitored, including aviation medicine specialists, general practitioners, epidemiologists, entomologists, sanitarians, nurses, ambulance drivers, and public relations personnel.

Deputy Minister of Health, Benjamin Paulus Oktavian, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between various agencies in safeguarding the health of this year’s Hajj pilgrims. He emphasised that the significant decrease in health cases is the result of solid cross-sector cooperation.

“Support has come from everywhere. There are colleagues from AirNav managing air traffic, the police, the Quarantine Agency, airport authorities, and Angkasa Pura, who have prepared excellent facilities and equipment,” said Benjamin.

He added that the availability of ambulances on constant standby is key to responding to emergency conditions. This synergy, according to Benjamin, has proven effective in delivering a positive impact on pilgrim safety. “This proves that cross-sector synergy has led to a very drastic reduction in cases,” he concluded.