21 Pilgrims From Indonesia Have Died, Deputy Minister Of Health: The Highest In The Last 4 Years

Muslims walk out after attending Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday (2/6/2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/WAHYU PUTRO A)

Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono said that currently 21 Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia had died during the 1444 Hijri Hajj period. According to Dante, the health fatality rate of the pilgrims this year is the highest during the last four years. This was conveyed by Dante in a press conference to evaluate the implementation of the pilgrimage online. "The death rate and death rate that occurred this year, which seems to be from the evaluation to date, there are 21 who have died, the highest in the last 4 years, hopefully it will not increase and we will try as much as possible," said Dante in a YouTube broadcast by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Tuesday, June 6. Then, Dante said that the elderly congregation this year was also the highest in the last 4 years, namely 45.7 percent or more than 66 thousand worshipers. Based on the records of the Ministry of Health, as of June 5, 2023, 30,321 pilgrims received outpatient services and 231 pilgrims were referred to hospitals for hospitalization. "Some of the diseases that have been identified are heart disease, the most hypertension, diabetes, and lung disease," said Dante. With the highest increase in the number of elderly people this year, accompanied by a climate in Saudi Arabia which is predicted to reach 50 degrees in Padang Arafah, the health risk of the congregation is also increasing. To anticipate these health risks, the Ministry of Health has provided 1,917 health workers who will assist health services for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, consisting of 537 doctors and 1,474 nurses. The Ministry of Health also provides 306 specialist doctors in Saudi Arabia. "We have made health guidelines including heat stroke to deal with an increase in health problems due to high temperatures," explained Dante.

"We also provide a panic button button on the congregation's cellphone. Where, if the button is pressed due to health problems, health workers who travel will immediately find points for pilgrims who have health problems and we will immediately discuss it," he added.