The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is taking a strategic step in transforming healthcare services for prospective Hajj pilgrims. This effort focuses on strengthening the istitha'ah system, or the health capability of pilgrims, which will now be closely and continuously monitored starting one year prior to their scheduled departure to the Holy Land.
This policy was finalized during an audience with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Health Center on Tuesday (7/7/2026). The meeting served as a momentum for synchronization between Kemenhaj and the TNI medical team to draft a more comprehensive health guidance scheme, ranging from early check-ups to health risk management for pilgrims with specific medical conditions.
Head of the Hajj Health Center at Kemenhaj, Dani Pramudya, emphasized that this transformation aims to shift the paradigm of Hajj healthcare services. According to him, the readiness of pilgrims is no longer focused solely on their time in Saudi Arabia, but begins with the domestic guidance process through early detection of various health risk factors.
"With continuous monitoring, various health risks can be detected and managed earlier. This is expected to significantly improve the physical readiness of pilgrims when performing the pilgrimage in the Holy Land," Dani said.
During the meeting, the TNI Health Center provided several crucial recommendations, including strengthening promotive and preventive services, special handling for patients with comorbidities such as heart disease and kidney failure, and optimizing health checks at embarkation points. In addition, collaboration with local Health Offices and hospital networks will be enhanced to ensure pilgrims have adequate access to healthcare before departure.
As a follow-up, both parties agreed to align the technical cooperation mechanisms. This cross-sector synergy is expected to create a Hajj health system that is more integrated, effective, and sustainable for all prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in the future.
