Updated 30 March 2010
Imamia Medics International (IMI) Hajj Medical Mission attended to 15,366 patients during Hajj 2009/1430. The World Federation of KSIMC partners with IMI Hajj Medical Mission to ensure that all Hujjaj from our community have access to health care during this once in a life time journey.
In June 2007, a Hajj Medical Forum took place in Dar es Salaam to understand and give a better perspective of the hardships faced by the Hujjaj and how to provide the best possible care for them during this important journey. Delegates from various regions attended this forum. Some of the key points discussed at the Hajj Forum included:-
- The concept of satellite health clinics during Hajj;
- The need to enhance communication and coordination among Hajj groups from all regions for the benefit of all the Hujjaj;
- The advantages of having the regional Hajj group organisers assemble the different Hajj groups from within their own constituencies together.
In addition, a meeting was organised by The Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ) where representatives from all Hajj groups within Europe met in London in November 2007. Since then, the coordination of these groups in Europe has strengthened.
Work of The Hajj Medical Mission does not start when a Hujjaj lands in the Holy city of Makkah and Medina, but well before to prepare the intended Hujjaj for this journey:
- Seminars are held to educate and prepare the intended Hujjaj for this Holy journey
- Medical check up and advice to ensure the Hujjaj are in good health prior to the journey
- Meningitis and Flu vaccine
- Distribution of health brochures and literature
This year The World Federation provided telephone contacts of doctors available during hajj well before hajj groups from the community started to depart. There were satellite clinics all around Makkah and Medina. There was an option of requesting one of the Hajj Medical Mission doctor to come to where the groups were staying to hold a clinic. A 24 hour telephone number was also provided to all group leaders from our community.
There was a get together of Health professionals in Makkah on the 6th of Zilhajj. Health professionals got together to discuss ways on how to improve services to the Hujjaj and network. There was excitement in the air with health professionals from different continents gathered with one common purpose; to assist with the health needs of the Hujjaj, so they can perform their Hajj with minimum of inconvenience.
Dr Munir M Datoo, Assistant Secretary General – Health was also present at the gathering. ‘It is so heartening to see so many health professionals from different continents gathered in this Holy City of Makkah and discussing ways of providing health care facilities for Hujjaj from our community. Dr Munir M Datoo also pledged full support on behalf of The World Federation Hajj Medical Mission for future Hajj Missions’
A total of 249 clinics were held during Hajj 2009/1430. The Hajj Medical Mission’s doctors were present in Saudi Arabia for a total of 42 days.
Planning for next year’s Hajj has started and the Hajj Medical Mission is already looking at ways and means of raising funds to sponsor doctors and purchasing much needed medication.
Click here to contribute towards this noble cause.
For further details contact health@world-federation.org