Synopsis
In April 2025, Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar from the Ministry of Minority Affairs is in Saudi Arabia reviewing arrangements for Haj 2025, focusing on healthcare and welfare for Indian pilgrims, especially the elderly.Key Takeaways
- Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar reviews Haj 2025 preparations.
- Special healthcare facilities for Indian pilgrims.
- Emphasis on the health of elderly pilgrims.
- Improved technology for managing pilgrim experiences.
- No decrease in pilgrims despite subsidy abolishment.
New Delhi/Riyadh, April 12 (NationPress) In preparation for Haj 2025, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, the Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, is currently visiting Saudi Arabia to assess the arrangements for this year’s pilgrimage, as stated by an official on Saturday.
Dr. Kumar expressed his approval regarding the hygienic and stress-free accommodation services being provided to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, according to the official report.
The Ministry shared images of the Secretary on its social media platform, stating, “Leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable #Haj2025 - Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review arrangements for Indian #HajPilgrims.
To enhance the welfare of Indian pilgrims, the Government establishes several temporary healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia during the Haj season. The necessary medical support is provided to Haj pilgrims through the Indian Haj Mission, adhering to Saudi regulations for tertiary care.
An official from the Ministry noted that there is a special focus on the health and well-being of elderly pilgrims, recognized as a high-risk group. Medical teams, including doctors and paramedics, conduct daily rounds in the accommodations for pilgrims, ensuring regular health checks, consultations, and prompt responses to any medical issues that may arise.
Last year, to address the healthcare needs of all pilgrims, particularly the elderly, four medical centers in Makkah and one in Madinah, along with 17 dispensaries, operated around the clock. Free consultations, medications, and treatments were made available to all Indian pilgrims, guaranteeing access to healthcare.
In 2024, India was allocated a quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims. Out of this number, 1.40 lakh were supported by the Haj Committee of India while the remaining were managed by private tour operators.
Over 78,000 out of a total of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India registered on the 'e-Haj Suvidha App' during Haj-2024, handling more than 8,500 grievances and over 2,100 SOS calls via the app. Furthermore, the implementation of the QR code system significantly reduced instances of lost baggage during Haj 2024.
According to the Ministry, the number of pilgrims participating in Haj has remained stable despite the removal of the Haj subsidy in 2018, with the Haj Committee of India fully utilizing the Haj quota since that year. In 2017, prior to the subsidy’s complete withdrawal, more than 1.70 lakh pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage.
