Heatwave Alert Issued for Pakistani Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Raziq Ali Shah
Makkah: Pakistani pilgrims performing Hajj this year have been advised to take extra precautions against heatstroke, especially during the five key Hajj days in Mashair (8–12 Zilhaj), as high temperatures and heatwave conditions are expected in Saudi Arabia.
Col Dr Muhammad Shaheer Jamal, Head of the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission (PHMM), urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and seek shade or air-cooled areas to protect themselves from extreme heat.
“We advise Pakistani pilgrims to avoid sun exposure, particularly during the five Hajj days in Mashair. Drink plenty of water—preferably with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)—use umbrellas, and spend maximum time in air-conditioned tents or shaded areas,” Dr Shaheer told APP.
He warned that symptoms of heatstroke include absence of sweating, hot and dry red skin, vomiting, nausea, extreme thirst, dizziness, and even unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is essential in such cases.
“To prevent heatstroke, pilgrims must avoid direct heat exposure, drink lots of water and fresh juices, use face masks and umbrellas, take cold showers, avoid hot drinks, and consult a doctor if any symptoms appear,” he added.
Though no heatstroke cases have been reported so far, the PHMM has treated 9,563 cases of dehydration, Dr Shaheer confirmed.
More than 115,000 Pakistanis are performing Hajj this year under both government and private schemes. Despite exemplary arrangements made by the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, Dr Shaheer cautioned that the sheer number of pilgrims and the extreme temperatures would remain a challenge.
The PHMM, comprising 306 dedicated team members and stocked with ample medicine supplies, is providing round-the-clock healthcare services. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics are working in shifts to care for Pakistani pilgrims, who are often referred to as the “guests of Allah Almighty.”
Since April 29, the mission has provided free medical treatment to 78,421 Pakistani pilgrims. A total of 171 serious patients have been referred to the Saudi German Hospital for advanced treatment, with 19 still admitted, he said.
So far, 1,230,786 medicines have been dispensed. Medical procedures include 1,375 laboratory tests, 677 X-rays, 984 dental treatments, 144 ultrasounds, 591 ECGs, and 886 minor surgeries.
For the first time, the PHMM has included public health specialists and physiotherapists in its team alongside cardiologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, radiologists, gynecologists, ENT specialists, dentists, and pathologists.
Dr Shaheer highlighted the partnership with the renowned Saudi German Hospital Group and the introduction of a Supervisory Model to ensure high standards and continuity of care.
Healthcare facilities for pilgrims include two fully operational hospitals—one each in Makkah and Madinah—as well as 12 dispensaries (nine in Makkah, two in Madinah, and one in Jeddah).
He also noted that the mission has implemented a digital data management system to streamline patient records and announced plans to publish a research paper after the Hajj season based on observed medical trends.
