Dr. Zalihić: Important recommendations for future pilgrims

(Patria) - The first plane with Bosnian pilgrims from Sarajevo airport is scheduled to depart on June 6, 2024.

Among the 152 passengers on the first plane will be members of the medical team led this
year by mr. sci. med. Adem Zalihić, a specialist in emergency medicine.

“The Hajj and Umrah Office of the Islamic Community pays special attention to the health care of pilgrims,
and for this purpose, a special regulation has been adopted, according to which the leader of the medical team travels on the first plane and immediately upon arrival, this year in Mecca, sets up a clinic in the hotel. Illness does not choose its time or place; there are people who get seriously ill even during the flight itself,” stated Dr. Zalihić.

In an interview with MINA Agency, he pointed out things that future pilgrims
should adhere to, all with the aim of preserving their health as much as possible, and thus making the performance of the Hajj rituals easier.

“Last year, out of 2,000 pilgrims, more than 40 percent were over 65
years old. By all parameters, this is an elderly population, and it is normal for them to carry certain diseases. Based on many years of experience, we have mastered and organized many things to minimize surprises,” says Zalihić.

In order to prevent certain situations, future pilgrims have already been provided with a leaflet with recommendations during the education organized by the Hajj and Umrah Office, in electronic and printed form, which they should follow before traveling, during travel and stay in the holy sites, as well as after the journey.

“It is very important for older people to have an internal medicine examination with their
doctor before the trip, to get blood and urine tests, and to check the condition of their lungs, heart, and kidneys. It is important to avoid insomnia, as this can also affect health. For this trip, many are buying new things, including slippers, which then cause blisters. You need to be careful about that; it’s better to bring some that have already been used,” said Zalihić.

He also highly recommended constant hand and food hygiene, as well as consuming
enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

“Upon arrival in Mecca, one must be prepared for high temperatures, which is why
body hydration is very important, as is hygiene. Given that we are entering a situation of overcrowding where we have pilgrims from various parts of the world, some pathogenic bacteria and viruses common to them can cause certain health problems for us.

Due to sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask in crowds is a good thing and
I recommend it to people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. We must also pay attention to food hygiene, not consume things that can cause constipation in the elderly. So, drink enough fluids, of course, not carbonated ones, eat plenty of soup, consume enough magnesium, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C to allow the body to retain fluid,” explains Zalihić.

He also commented on this year's decision for pilgrims to stay in Mecca first, and then
in Medina, saying that it is a good decision for several reasons.

“As a medical team, we supported this decision because in Mecca, believers need the greatest effort to perform the Hajj rituals while they are strong and rested. The previous method was to go to Medina, where people also get tired, but we will see how this will turn out in practice,” said Zalihić.

Given the many years of accompanying pilgrims on this blessed, but also demanding journey, Zalihić once again pointed out the good organization and care for the health of pilgrims.

“What the Hajj and Umrah Office and the medical sector are doing is at a very
good level, especially when we compare it to other countries that are large in name, whose pilgrims come to our clinics seeking medical help. During the stay in Muzdalifah, Arafat, Mina, medical teams walk alongside our pilgrims with equipment and medicines. I don't know if I've seen such a situation anywhere else. The Hajj and Umrah Office shows that it takes serious care of the medical care of pilgrims because we do not abandon pilgrims at any moment, whether we are in the field or stationed in hotels in Mecca or Medina.

You have to be collected, calm, and operational until the last moment – adds Zalihić.

He also praised the cooperation with the Saudi authorities, who noted that Bosnia and
Herzegovina brings the fewest patients for hospitalization.

“So, we handle patients who can be treated. We only send those to hospitals who absolutely need hospital treatment due to laboratory and other diagnostic procedures. We carry a lot of our own medicines, we equip special medical bags, and we buy things there that require a bit more space, like infusion solutions. But we have never lacked anything,” said Zalihić.

This year, the medical team consists of 14 people, including seven specialist doctors of various specialties and seven experienced nurses or technicians, who will take care of 2225 pilgrims from our country.

“Listen to your guides, follow the instructions of the leadership of the Hajj and Umrah Office, and follow the recommendations of the medical team, and I believe we will easily perform this ritual. In any case, it is important to say that we will be available to pilgrims with our knowledge and experience at any time and in any place,” concluded Dr. Zalihić.