Experts Remind Pilgrims Of Hajj And Umrah Candidates To Beware Of Lung Infection

Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama when giving a presentation at the Special Hajj Doctor Training Workshop organized by the Indonesian Hajj Medical Association (Perdokhi) in Jakarta, Saturday (19/4/2025). ANTARA

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) Professor Tjandra Yoga Aditama reminded pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah candidates, including those from Jakarta, to be aware of lung infections in the form of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and pneumonia.

"Pulmonary infection in the form of ARI and pneumonia is the main health problem for pilgrims and Umrah from various countries, including Indonesia," said the statement received in Jakarta, Saturday.

In addition to pneumonia or inflammation in lung tissue due to bacteria and viruses, pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah candidates are also wary of special diseases such as MERS CoV. This disease started from Arabic jazirah and was transmitted by a saturated camel.

According to him, there are several factors that become a specific predisposition or tendency such as crowds of people that facilitate transmission, dust and air pollution. In addition, the immune system may decrease due to physical activity and fatigue.

Then, in addition to lung infection problems, there is also the risk of non-communicable lung disease, such as asthma and chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (PPOK).

"The knowledge and ability to handle lung health by doctors and health workers who serve Hajj and Umrah pilgrims plays an important role in controlling lung health problems in our congregation," said Tjandra.

On the other hand, there needs to be preventive measures from the congregation, such as implementing healthy living behavior, using masks and getting vaccines.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional Office of the DKI Jakarta Ministry of Religion, Adib, stated that he was ready to succeed in organizing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, in line with the direction of the Minister of Religion and the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah.

"DKI Jakarta this year, God willing, according to the direction of the Minister and Director, is ready to re-success the implementation of Hajj 1446 Hijri. We must provide better services than in previous years," said Adib.