The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is transforming Hajj health services by implementing a system for periodic monitoring of pilgrims' conditions. This step is taken well in advance, starting one year prior to the scheduled departure date, to ensure that the implementation of health istithaah (health capacity) runs optimally.
Head of the Hajj Health Center at Kemenhaj, Dani Pramudya, stated that health services now begin during the coaching phase in the home country. Through early detection of various health risk factors, pilgrims are expected to have better physical readiness to undergo the series of rituals in the Holy Land.
In an effort to strengthen this system, Kemenhaj is partnering with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Health Center to consolidate human resources and specific management for high-risk pilgrims. The focus of this collaboration includes medical management for patients with chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, severe hypertension, and heart disorders.
The TNI Health Center provided several strategic recommendations, including the development of health promotion and preventive services, as well as the optimization of health screenings at embarkation centers. In addition, the educational aspect through health guidance will be enhanced so that every pilgrim is more proactive in maintaining physical fitness and managing comorbidities independently.
This cross-sector synergy is expected to create an integrated Hajj service ecosystem, from the initial guidance phase to assistance during their stay in Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, both institutions will immediately draft technical steps to ensure the effectiveness of this health policy remains sustainable for all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
