|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 11 January 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Saudi health guidelines for Haj pilgrims by S.H.A. Carrem The Saudi authorities have issued health guidelines for pilgrims visiting Mecca to perform Haj. The guidelines this year include the protection and prevention procedures for those arriving from countries with local transmission of the SARS virus. Some of these procedures are to be applied outside Saudi Arabia while others will be administered at various points of entry into the country. Reda Bin Mohamed Khalil, Consultant to the Health administration and Head of the Preparatory Haj Committee, has informed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's missions throughout the world of the necessity of applying these health conditions. Pilgrims arriving from countries known to be infected with Yellow Fever are required to present a valid immunization certificate against the disease in accordance with International Health Regulations. The quadrivalent vaccination is a 'must' for Haj visa for this year. The Saudi authorities too have requested the medical delegations from various countries to give their members a dose of the preventive treatment, caprofloxacin or rifampicin prior to the departure from Haj areas in order to reduce the carrier rate among them and prevent the spread of infections. Influenza vaccination is a must for the pilgrims prior to their departure for Mecca. Over 6000 pilgrims from Sri Lanka are expected to leave for Mecca to perform Haj this year. The leader of the Sri Lanka delegation will be Co-operatives Development Minister A.R.M.A. Cader. A special counter has been opened at the Immigration and Emigration Department for the pilgrims to get their passports easily. The Saudi Embassy too will be issuing visas without any problem for the pilgrims. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
