A clinical pharmacist and member of the Friends of Health Association, Dr. Layla Ali Al -Aali, the sound management of medicines and safe dealing with it is a vital things that pilgrims should take into account, especially in light of the great physical effort and the harsh climatic conditions that distinguish the Hajj season, as the temperatures in Makkah and Medina exceed 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.
She explained that the pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and it attracts more than two million Muslims annually, noting that this great spiritual experience requires accurate planning regarding the storage and use of medications, especially by the elderly and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetics and heart disease.
Dr. The highest is that it is necessary for each pilgrim to carry a personal first aid bag containing basic medications such as fever medications, colds, antiseptics, heat antipyretics, pain relievers, muscle relaxation medications, as well as ointments to treat insect stings and sunburn.
It warned of the importance of accompanying allergic medications, sleeves, and necessary medical devices such as the thermometer, the blood pressure meter, and the sugar measurement device, with the need to keep all medicines in their original packages, accompanied by a dosage identification card and method of use.
She added that vaccinations are considered one of the basic health requirements recommended by the competent authorities in preparation for the performance of the Hajj, as the Saudi Ministry of Health requires all pilgrims to obtain a spinal fever vaccine before traveling at least ten days before traveling.
She pointed out that the high -risk groups – such as the elderly, pregnant women, heart, kidney and respiratory system, and those with weakening of immunity – are required to highlight what is proven to obtain a Corona virus vaccine, whether with an updated dose for the 2024-2025 season, or to complete doses during the years from 2021 to 2023, or through a certificate of recovery from a confirmed infection with the virus during the year 2024.
She pointed to the requirement to provide vaccination certificates valid by pilgrims coming from countries where polio or yellow fever is spread, according to the requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Health.
D. The highest is that diabetics face special health challenges during the Hajj, given the length of walking, fasting and high heat, which may lead to serious fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
She stressed the necessity of taking a sufficient amount of medications and insulin, using sugar measuring devices regularly, while preserving sensitive medications in refrigerated or thermally isolated bags, drinking sufficient amounts of water to avoid dehydration, and pay attention to the symptoms of low or high blood sugar.
With regard to heart patients, she made it clear that they should take additional precautions that include bringing a sufficient amount of all their medications, including emergency drugs such as nitrogenine, stressing the need to measure blood pressure regularly and take rest periods to avoid excessive stress, before stressing the need to use wheelchairs or seek help when needed.
Dr. The highest is that many pilgrims lack adequate awareness about how to properly deal with medications, stressing that storing medications in inappropriate conditions – such as leaving them in hot or under sunlight – may lead to damage, which reduces their effectiveness or makes them harmful.
It warned that medications should be preserved in cold and dry places, and to get rid of expired or unused medications in a safe way, to avoid environmental damage caused by throwing them into garbage or sewers.
D. The high importance of health education for pilgrims before traveling, and indicated that awareness campaigns and medical missions accompanying pilgrims should play a major role in providing the necessary medical advice and assistance, which enhances their health safety throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
She concluded to emphasize the necessity of effective management of medicines, including commitment to vaccinations, care for chronic diseases, and proper storage, stressing that good preparation and sound pharmaceutical practices can enable pilgrims to maintain their health and focus on performing their spiritual rituals with reassurance and peace.
