Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims….reports Asian Lite News
Over 200 Indian pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024, with the majority of deaths attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply to a question, emphasized the government’s commitment to the successful conduct of Hajj operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims.
“As of July 21, 2024, 201 Indian pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with most deaths due to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests,” Rijiju stated. He noted that more than 70 percent of the fatalities occurred among pilgrims aged 60 and above.
Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He mentioned that several progressive reforms introduced in recent years have led to a qualitative improvement in the Hajj experience. In Hajj 2024, the number of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH) deployed by the Hajj Committee of India to assist pilgrims increased to 641, more than double the previous year’s number. Additionally, the number of temporary deputationists (administrative and medical staff) deployed for Hajj management and administration rose to 620, up from 461 in Hajj 2023.
Special provisions were made for the 4,558 women who traveled to Saudi Arabia, including dedicated buildings for accommodation and medical services. To address the adverse climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, specific interventions were introduced. In Mecca, three medical centers with a total capacity of 100 beds were operationalized, along with 14 medical dispensaries, a command control center, 20 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline available throughout the Hajj period.
In Madinah, a 20-bed medical center was established, supported by two dispensaries, a control command center, four BLS ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline. Additionally, a medical dispensary and helpline were operationalized at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal to cater to pilgrims’ healthcare needs during arrival and departure.
“For the first time, emergency teams were deployed at Haramain High-Speed Railway stations, providing on-ground medical assistance. A dedicated task force consisting of six teams provided medical aid during Friday prayers at the Holy Mosque,” Rijiju added.
The government remains dedicated to improving the overall Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims through these and other measures.
In June, Saudi Arabia said that as many as 1,301 people died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with “numerous cases” due to heat stress and “unauthorized” trips accounting for over four out of five of the deaths.
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