Pilgrims Candidates For Hajj Are Advised To Bring Medicines

Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Head of Section for Elderly, Disabilities, and PKP3JH Daker Medina, Doctor Aleksmana, advised pilgrims for Indonesian Hajj candidates to bring a number of medicines such as antidiare, digestive drugs, pain relievers, allergic drugs, to cold and cough medicines.

"Physical problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain, caused by changes in eating patterns, different drinking water, and sanitation that may not be adequate need to be watched out for," said Dr. Aleksmana, quoting Antara, Friday, May 10.

Indonesian pilgrims will start leaving for Saudi Arabia on May 12, 2024. This year, there are 241,000 participants, consisting of 213,320 regular hajjes and 27,680 special hajjes.

Data from the Ministry of Religion noted that this year there are around 45,000 participants of regular Hajj candidates aged 65 years and over. In the midst of hot weather in the Holy Land, pilgrims need to keep their physical condition fit and healthy.

Based on the records of the First Crisis and Rescue Handling Team in Hajj Pilgrims (PKP3JH), there are several diseases that are prone to congregants while in the holy land.

"There are several diseases that are often experienced by pilgrims, namely Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI), caused by large crowds of worshipers, air pollution, and drastic changes in temperature in Mecca and Medina," he said.

In addition, the doctor who is familiarly called dr. This lexs says that dehydration is a serious risk, especially if the congregation does not drink enough water.

"This is due to the hot weather in Makkah and Medina," he said.

According to him, skin diseases, fungal infections, hot rashes, or wounds due to clothing friction can also occur due to heat and high humidity.

"Infectious diseases, such as flu, fever, or other infectious diseases due to interactions with pilgrims from various countries with different health conditions also need to be anticipated." he said.

There are also chronic diseases that can be experienced by pilgrims. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease can become more difficult to control due to changes in diet, lack of rest, and stress during the trip.

"As well as trauma or injury, especially because of large crowds carrying out rituals such as tawaf and throwing jumrah," he said.

Congregants are also advised to bring medicines that are usually consumed for certain health conditions, such as drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or other medical conditions.