As pilgrims arrived today in Mina to stone the Jamarat, health officials have special teams in place to deal with the millions who will pass through the area over the coming days. The Ministry of Health has a number of medical teams ready to deal with any situation, and is supported by ambulances from the Saudi Red Crescent. In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry said the plan has taken into consideration the new changes at the Jamarat Bridge Area and the roads leading to it. The plan would include 16 emergency health centers on both sides of the Bridge. The ministry said it has also prepared an emergency plan for the pedestrian passage which starts from Arafat via Muzdalifah to Mina, in case of any emergency. The ministry said it was ready for any problems on the roads leading to the Jamarat Bridge and has set up integrated field teams. The ministry also delegated supervisory teams to follow their medical teams in the field. This would help if any sudden intervention is needed in the case of any injuries. The ministry has advised pilgrims to keep away from crowded places at the holy sites, to avoid contracting diseases. It called on all to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, including washing their clothes and to keep their accommodation clean. This would help to prevent diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems. Yesterday, the ministry prepared a special emergency plan for the movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat. It also made ready an integrated emergency plan for the Mount of Mercy - Jabal Al-Rahmah – and the surrounding area.
