India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Praises Kingdom for Hajj Services
In a recent interview with Arab News, India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, commended Saudi Arabia for the exceptional services provided to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.
Khan, who personally performed the pilgrimage this year and assisted Indian pilgrims, expressed his gratitude towards the Saudi Health Ministry and other authorities for their cooperation in delivering top-notch medical services to the pilgrims.
He highlighted the significant efforts made by the Saudi authorities in deploying substantial resources to aid pilgrims of all nationalities with medical emergencies and other health-related issues.
According to Khan, a total of 175,000 Indian Muslims undertook the pilgrimage this year, with officials offering assistance from May 9 until the operation concludes on July 22.
The Indian Haj mission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Minority Affairs, meticulously arranged for the health and well-being of the country’s pilgrims by deploying a contingent of approximately 350 doctors and paramedics, along with an ample supply of medicines and medical equipment during the Hajj.
Multiple medical camps were set up in Mina and Arafat, with additional doctors and paramedics stationed at service centers and camps in Mina to ensure comprehensive medical support.
Addressing the reported deaths of Indian pilgrims during the Hajj, Khan clarified that while the high temperatures during the summer months can be challenging, the number of deaths attributed to heat-related issues has been overstated.
He revealed that out of the reported deaths during the Day of Arafat, only six were Indian pilgrims, with four fatalities resulting from accidents and the remaining due to illnesses and natural causes.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that a total of 98 nationals passed away while performing the Hajj, citing causes such as high temperatures, natural factors, chronic illnesses, and old age.