Every year, a large number of travellers from all over the world visit Mecca to make the Hajj pilgrimage, with Saudi Arabia hosting between 2.5 to 3 million pilgrims. It is worth noting that India sends the third biggest number of pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca in the globe.

It is for the first time in Haj pilgrimage history that 4,314 women applied to go without a ‘Mehram,’ or male guardian with a blood link.

Proud Moment 

This follows a 2018 revision that removed the requirement for women to travel with a male partner during the journey.

For the first time, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has implemented substantial steps to protect the safety of Hajj pilgrims, such as the installation of health desks at airports and medical screening overseen by government physicians.

Medical And Health Needs

According to the ministry’s statement, due to the large number of pilgrims in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, there are special health concerns that must be handled, as well as the pilgrims’ medical needs.


Also Read: The Story Behind Islam’s Stoning Of The Devil Ritual By Hajj Pilgrims Explained


The quota for pilgrims travelling to India this year is 175,025, and the inaugural flight for the pilgrimage will take place on May 21.

Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya have convened a series of meetings to ensure that pilgrims receive comprehensive and high-quality treatment.

What Has The Ministry Stated? 

On March 21, the Ministry of Health issued directives to governments to provide medical examinations and fitness certificates to pilgrims.

Furthermore, according to the statement, it is the responsibility of the states and district health authorities to create camps for the selected pilgrims. Before leaving, these programmes will do thorough medical inspections and vaccines.

All pilgrims in these camps will be given a medical identity card. This card will analyse the selected pilgrims’ current health status as well as any pre-existing medical issues. The goal is to make  health status easily accessible.

The health of the pilgrims is a primary priority for both ministries and different measures are being taken to ensure this.


Image Credits: Google Images

Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth

Sources: SheThePeople.TV, Print, ANI

Find the blogger: Palak Dogra

This post is tagged under: Hajj, hajj pilgrimage, pilgrims, muslims, muslim tradition, women, muslim women, saudi arabia

Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.


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