Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that over 200 Indian pilgrims died during Haj Yatra 2024, majority of them due to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrest. “The Government of India has placed great emphasis on the successful conduct of Haj operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims,” Rijiju said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. He said that as of July 21, 2024, 201 Indian pilgrims have died during Hajj 2024, most of whom died due to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrest.
The Union Minister said that the Government is committed to improving the overall Haj experience of Indian Haj pilgrims. “To achieve this objective, many progressive reforms have been undertaken in the last few years, which have led to qualitative improvement in the Hajj experience,” he said.
Rijiju said the number of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KUH) sent by the Haj Committee of India to assist pilgrims in Haj 2024 has increased to 641, which is more than double the number of last year. “Even the number of temporary deputationists (administrative and medical) deployed by the Government of India for Haj management and administration has been increased from 461 during Haj 2023 to 620 in Haj 2024,” he said.
Rijiju said special provisions have been made for the 4,558 women travelling to Saudi Arabia, including dedicated buildings for their accommodation and dedicated medical services. Saudi Arabia prepares to deal with hot weather
He added that special interventions have been launched to tackle Saudi Arabia’s adverse and hostile climatic conditions. He said three medical centres with a capacity of 100 beds have been made operational in Mecca, along with 14 medical dispensaries, a command control centre, 20 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and a 24-hour helpline made available 24X7 during the entire Haj period.
He said a 20-bed medical centre has been set up in Madina, along with two dispensaries, supported by a control command centre, four BLS ambulances and a 24-hour helpline. Rijiju said a medical dispensary and helpline have also been made operational at the Jeddah Haj Terminal to cater to the health needs of pilgrims at the time of arrival or departure.
“For the first time, emergency teams were deployed at Haramain high-speed railway stations, providing medical assistance on the ground. A dedicated task force comprising six teams provided medical assistance during Friday prayers at the holy mosque,” he said.
