East Azerbaijan Hajj and Pilgrimage News Agency
The Deputy Head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Medical Centre has announced that over 85 per cent of pilgrims have completed their physical fitness examinations for the 1406 Hajj, with a new focus on preventative health measures.
The Deputy Head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Medical Centre has outlined the centre's plans for the 1406 Hajj, stating that more than 85 per cent of those referred have already completed their physical fitness examinations. He added that the upcoming Hajj will feature a comprehensive approach to pilgrim health, focusing on strengthened preventative measures, continuous monitoring of the food supply chain and accommodation facilities, and the implementation of an intelligent management system.
Dr Ali-Akbar Jangjou provided details on the progress, noting that of the applicants referred by the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation for examinations, over 85 per cent have visited designated physicians to complete the fitness assessment process, with 308 doctors currently active in this capacity. He urged the remaining 15 per cent of referred individuals to visit their nearest examining physician as soon as possible, citing time constraints and the requirements set by the host country to ensure subsequent processes proceed without disruption.
He added that, to date, 182 individuals have been confirmed as physically unfit, representing approximately 0.3 per cent of those examined. These assessments are based on criteria mandated by the host country and specialised standards developed in consultation with experienced professors and physicians. In cases requiring further review or where an appeal is lodged, the matter is referred to the Fitness Commission.
Regarding preparations to upgrade the 1406 Hajj health system, Dr Jangjou stated that joint meetings between the Medical Centre and the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation have been held to establish health monitoring protocols. The primary approach for the upcoming Hajj is to strengthen prevention, as more rigorous adherence to preventative and hygiene standards will reduce the burden on medical treatment services. Accordingly, health requirements are being formulated from the pre-departure phase through to the pilgrims' time in Saudi Arabia, with kitchens, restaurants, hotels, clinics, and pilgrim accommodation subject to continuous oversight.
The Deputy Head of the Medical Centre continued by explaining that a team of health experts has been appointed to implement this programme for the next Hajj. Monitoring will be conducted as a continuous chain, meaning experts will not merely inspect individual sections like kitchens, but will evaluate the entire food and hygiene process from preparation to distribution and consumption, alongside other service facilities. Daily inspections, periodic reviews, the presence of experts in kitchens, and the deployment of rapid response teams to address reported issues form part of this oversight system. Furthermore, guidelines for the sanitary operation of restaurants, hotels, and clinics are being updated to ensure that inspections are conducted based on clear protocols rather than individual discretion.
According to Dr Jangjou, the design of a system to record all inspections and create a management dashboard is also underway. This will allow relevant managers to monitor the status of health inspections in real-time, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate, health-focused data.