Fatima Muhammad

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) has received up till now 10,000 pilgrims and no infectious diseases have been documented among the arrivals, said the head of the port’s supervision center.



Adel Turkistani added that they apply strict measures to prevent any infectious diseases from crossing the borders.



The center also ensures that no passengers arrive here from the West African countries affected by Ebola. The port already has thermo cameras that were trialed a couple of months ago, said Turkistani.



However, they will not be used unless the port is directed to do so by health authorities.



These cameras have been used previously during the SARS and avian flu outbreaks.



Turkistani said 15,000 pilgrims are expected to pass through the port. “Pilgrims have been provided with necessary health care including vaccines for meningitis and yellow fever,” he said.



Representatives of the Health Ministry held meeting with carriers’ crews to introduce its awareness plan, which includes the distribution of 18,000 brochures and 79 posters.



This year the ministry has made it mandatory for pilgrims to provide a signed statement indicating they are in good health.



Turkistani noted that Sudanese pilgrims sail for 16 hours, which he said is enough time to introduce the awareness program and even air videos providing useful health information.



Crews also have to consult doctors as part of measures ensuring each individual leaving the Kingdom undergoes a medical checkup.



The port has 61 regular employees but during the Haj season this number reaches 100, including 18 doctors, a manager and a medical manager, 24 male nurses, eight female nurses, 14 epidemic supervisors, a chief pharmacist and nine pharmacists, five X-ray technicians and 19 administrative workers and drivers. The common illnesses among pilgrims are blood pressure and diabetes and many cases deteriorate because patients forget to take their medications on time.



Turkistani said the center has drawn up an emergency plan to deal with highly infectious cases in cooperation with different authorities including the heath observation center at the port, the emergency department, the Ministry of Health control center, the general port department, passport department, security forces and Haj authorities. Turkistani said that there are committees that sit to organize the Haj season each month.



They include a committee that has representatives from different government bodies and the port administration. He noted a special committee would be formed to monitor health safety.