Among the rationales for conducting health examination;
- To observe regulations imposed by the Saudi Arabia Government.
- To receive proper medications in prevention of fatal disease, Meningococcal Meningitis Quadrivalent (ACYW – 135). Pilgrims can get the vaccination from government hospitals for free.
- To ensure prospective pilgrims suffering from any chronic diseases can be treated and their health conditions stabilized before their scheduled departure besides identifying types of medications and treatments required.
- To provide pilgrims with proper medical record. With such medical reference it will be easier for them to seek proper treatment at the Holy Land.
- Pregnant women are not allowed to perform pilgrimage/Hajj.
- To identify mental condition of prospective pilgrims. Those suffering from mental disturbance, unsound mind or senile are not allowed performing their pilgrimage fearing they might not qualify for certain religious rituals.
- To ensure pilgrims are physically fit to enable them to perform their pilgrimage diligently and accordingly.
Health Examination Centers
Health examinations can only be conducted at government hospitals or panel clinics of HFCL. Cost for medical examination at the panel clinic will be borne by the pilgrims.
Methods of Examination
There are two stages of medical examination:-
- Prospective pilgrims age 60 years and above need to undergo medical examination between six months and ten months before departure to the Holy Land to:
- Identify their health status including mental and physical fitness and dietary for early detection of ailment due to age factor. They need more time to adapt to today’s healthcare practice and treatment as part of preparation for their pilgrimage.
- Identify high-risk group to enable early treatments.
- Identify special treatment procedures, equipment and medications for those with chronic diseases.
- For other pilgrims, they are required to undergo a medical examination three months before their scheduled departure. Pilgrims are divided into three groups:-
- All pilgrims selected for that particular hajj season
- Pilgrims on standby list
- Follow-up treatments for pilgrims age 60 years and above
Pilgrims who failed in their medical examination and need follow-up treatments are required to undergo for the final round of medical examination. In some cases, pilgrims need to seek specialist’s opinion in determining their health status and fitness to perform their pilgrimage.
Those who are highly determined to perform their pilgrimage despite failing their medical examination can submit their appeal to the Appeal Committee through HFCL’s office. The office will call for the Appeal Committee to look into the appeal case by case. Decisions are made through discussion and not by the individual committee members.
If the appeal is turned down, the affected pilgrims will have no choice but to postpone their departure.
