Umm Al-Qura University Volunteers Provide Field Health Services to Pilgrims in Mina
Volunteers from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah are on a mission to provide essential field health services to pilgrims in Mina during the 2024 Hajj season.
Ahmad Hassan Mufti, the vice dean of the College of Medicine for Development and Entrepreneurship at the university, shared insights about the Hajj Volunteer Program that has been in place for 12 years.
This program, integrated into the medicine and surgery bachelor’s curriculum, enables students to gain valuable skills while offering primary health services during the Hajj season.
Five Different Tracks for Medical Volunteer Program
Mufti revealed that the medical volunteer program offers five distinct tracks for students to participate in.
Students in the Makkah hospitals track collaborate with city hospitals to provide essential healthcare services, while students in the holy sites hospitals and centers track offer healthcare services in locations like Mina and Arafat.
Students in the education track provide educational materials and awareness programs to pilgrims, assisting them in understanding health risks and preventive measures.
Moreover, the research and innovation track involves students in conducting research projects on health issues during the Hajj season and developing innovations to benefit pilgrims.
Increasing Participation and Developing Medical Professionals
With approximately 600 male and female students participating in all tracks this year, the program has seen a significant increase in participants annually since its inception.
The program aims not only to assist pilgrims visiting the holy sites but also to develop future medical professionals with diverse skills to address health issues during the Hajj season.
Through the program, students are equipped with leadership abilities, disaster management training, and effective communication skills with patients from various backgrounds.
Enlisting Volunteer Healthcare Professionals
The goal of the Hajj Volunteer Program is to enlist volunteer healthcare professionals from various health colleges at Umm Al-Qura University.
This initiative aligns with the principles of volunteering in Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to inspire students, target future leaders, provide training in disaster management, and administer emergency medical assistance during Hajj and Umrah.