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Khuddam, medical teams to leave for S Arabia in Feb

ISLAMABAD: Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj and the first batch of medical mission for Haj-2000 would leave for Saudi Arabia in the first week of February to make preparations for looking after 101,755 Pakistani pilgrims.

The second batch of the medical mission comprising civilian staff would leave here during the third week of next month alongwith the seasonal staff on Haj duty.

The 180-member medical mission for Haj, led by Brig Tariq Aslam, comprises 60 doctors and 120 paramedics while the 160-member Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj contingent led by Lt. Col. Nadeem Gillani, included 130 army personnel and 22 boy scouts.

The team of 60 doctors included 30 doctors from defence forces and 30 civilians. Among these, 15 are federal government nominees while the rest have been recommended by the provincial governments.

Likewise, out of the 120 paramedics 50 percent represented the defence forces while 50 percent have been taken from civilian side Ñ 30 from federal government and 30 from the four provinces.

The medical mission would include medical specialists and general practitioners who will be responsible for providing treatment to the Pakistani pilgrims, free of cost, during their stay in the holy land.

This year Medical cards would be issued to all the pilgrims. These cards would be handed over to the pilgrims before their departure for Saudi Arabia and treatment would be available to them free of cost upon showing these cards. This system would save both the Haj Directorate and the pilgrims from inconvenience. APP