27 August 2016
Riyadh - "Pilgrims' Health is Our Top Concern," is the theme of this year's phone-in service flagged off this week by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

As part of health awareness activities carried out by the ministry during this year's Haj season, the National Center for Information and Health Promotion continues its health awareness program for the 12th consecutive year via the toll-free number: 8002494444; and through the MoH's account on Twitter: @saudimoh.

The center hosts elite consultants and specialists in various health specialties daily to answer all calls and inquiries of pilgrims regarding their health status and their ability to perform Haj without any health problems.

On Monday, the center hosted Dr. Safiah Al-Sherbini, endocrinology and diabetes consultant at King Fahd Medical City, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to answer callers' inquiries relating to diabetes and endocrine diseases.

It was followed on Tuesday by Dr. Fatimah Al-Shinqieti, consultant in obstetrics, gynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

On Sunday, Aug. 28, the center will host Dr. Sami Al-Asmari, consultant interventional cardiologist at Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Hospital, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The center will also host Dr. Abdullah Al-Shimaimry, consultant in respiratory diseases and intensive care at the National Guard-King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh and CEO of the Community Health Promotion Center, on Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

On Aug. 30, the center will host Dr. Muneerah Ba-Rajaa, consultant of family and community medicine, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

As for Aug. 31, the center will host Dr. Hayel Al-Abdali, consultant in infectious diseases, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The program will conclude on Sept. 1, with a session with Dr. Nael Hatata, dermatology consultant, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Female specialists at the center will provide pilgrims and their families with health tips and guidelines, highlighting the importance of adhering to basic vaccinations and medical prescriptions at the appropriate time, along with other health issues of concern to them. This comes as part of the ministry's endeavors to help pilgrims perform the Haj rituals easily and smoothly.

The program is part of the ministry's efforts in its awareness campaign to minimize health problems among pilgrims, an MoH official told Arab News on Friday.

"We have a team of expert on-call attendants who will give instant replies to callers who seek medical advice during their pilgrimage to the holy sites," the official said. The medical team comprises consultants, cardiologists, medical specialists, pharmacists and dentists. The program is handled by a group of Saudi women who are working at the ministry and its city hospitals here."

The official said the "Hello Ramadan" program during the holy month was popular, and he hoped that this service also would attract a larger number of pilgrims who wanted to avail themselves of the ministry's services.

"We assure all callers strict confidentiality of the information provided during their telephone inquiries," he said, adding that men suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes and hypertension are free to ask questions about their dose of medicines and how they should store their insulin during the pilgrimage. "Women can inquire about vaccines and matters concerning their menstrual cycle during the pilgrimage."

"We have a special team of women consultants whom the women callers can freely ask their questions."

© Arab News 2016