TH provides first-class medical facilities, say haj pilgrims

By Fadzli Ramli

MAKKAH, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysian pilgrims here have expressed their satisfaction with the medical facilities provided by the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and described them as of the first class and made some interesting suggestions for improvement.

A private sector employee Khushairi Ismail, 54, said the Malaysian pilgrims here did not have to worry as medical facilities provided were similar to the ones available back home.

“When in foreign country, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to bring all the medical equipment and health personnel including doctors and nurses here, then to provide medical care, practically from zero to patient-ready,” he told Bernama.

This year’s haj season saw 30,200 Malaysian pilgrims to perform the fifth pillar of Islam and assisted by 640 TH officials.

Malaysian pilgrims can obtain medical care from the TH Syisyah Treatment Centre, which is also the main treatment centre here, which has 197 beds, an emergency clinic in Abraj Janadriyah which has 33 beds and the TH Al Jaffery Treatment Centre in Madinah which has 37 beds, as well as a health clinic established at each of the pilgrims’ ‘maktab’ (hostels).

Another private sector employee Sharif Sarimin, 47, said the medical facilities available here were as complete as the clinics and hospitals back home.

“It was interesting to see that the clinics or treatment centres are being set up at hotel building. The pilgrims no need to worry as everything is provided for, including the medicines,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khushairi and Sharif have also suggested that TH to partner with several parties and companies here to provide alternative health facilities such as massage and acupuncture services for pilgrims.

Khushairi said the alternative health facilities provided to pilgrims should be available at a reasonable cost and not for free as not to burden TH.

“I think many pilgrims will like this kind of services and willing to pay at reasonable prices. There are pilgrims who are experiencing stiff muscles, pains in the back and legs, surely I think the services will be able to help them,” ​​he said.

Sharif said as the logistics to set up such alternative health care centres would be difficult, simpler amenities such as massage chairs and other self-service healthcare machines could be provided at the pilgrims’ ‘maktab’.

-- BERNAMA