MADINAH: Lembaga Tabung Haji has prepared treatment centres and specialist doctors to make it easy and more organised to serve Malaysian haj pilgrims.

       Mecca director of operations (Medical) Dr Abdul Marsudi Manah said that public health officers would also patrol room-to-room to explain the importance of basic healthcare.

       “Tabung Haji has made preparations by setting up a healthcare centre at Madinah in the Roha Al Madinah building, which has 37 beds with a strength of 44 staff, including three physicians in the fields of internal, anaesthesia and public health.

       “The treatment centre is also supported by two other physicians, seven medical officers and 32 healthcare personnel including nurses,” he said at the Roha Al Madinah building, reported Bernama.

       He added that Tabung Haji also set up a mobile clinic to cover pilgrims’ accommodations, namely at the Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel, Saja Al Madinah Hotel and the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

       Dr Abdul Marsudi, a public health specialist at the Kudat health office in Sabah, said that the mobile clinic not only caters to basic health needs, but also for staff to advise pilgrims on how to deal with the hot weather.

       “In terms of health problems during the haj season – with the temperature exceeding 46°C – there is likely to be dehydration.

       “That is why the pilgrims need to drink enough water and avoid being outside during the day.

       “If they need to be outside, we encourage them to stay in the shade or use umbrellas,” he said.

       He also reminded pilgrims to seek early treatment if they become dehydrated and not to wait till their body weakens.

       Pilgrims are also advised to avoid crowded, dusty and dry surroundings that can cause coughing, and that this should not be considered normal because it can lead to lung infections.