ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will make necessary arrangements to provide health services and take proper care of intending pilgrims this year.
According to official sources, the ministry will depute medical staff and assistants who will guide the pilgrims through the rituals of the Hajj.
Based upon the experience gained in Hajj 2016, Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) and job description for each category of welfare service and activity will be notified by the Ministry in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure responsibility and accountability.
The 540 members of medical staff will be deputed in Saudi Arabia on basis of laid down criteria.
One doctor along with two paramedics will be sent for 1000 pilgrims.
The medical officers and staff will be drawn from Pakistan Armed Forces and Federal and Provincial Health Services Departments.
Assistants to help out pilgrims will be nominated from Federal Ministries, Departments, Provincial Governments, Police, Civil Defense, Scouts and other public sector organizations.
All categories of Welfare Staff deputed in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would not be allowed to stay for more than 45 days with the possibility of revision of up to 60 days or more as per requirement.