Haj: Pneumonia among most common illnesses as Masyair approaches

MAKKAH - Lung infections, particularly pneumonia, are now among the most commonly detected illnesses among Malaysian haj pilgrims as health operations in the Holy Land enter a critical phase ahead of the Masyair phase.

Head of the haj medical specialists, Dr Taufik Rosli, said that most of the cases involve elderly pilgrims as well as those with a history of chronic illnesses and high-risk conditions.

He said the situation is caused by factors such as extreme fatigue, dehydration, and failure to take medication regularly because pilgrims are overly focused on religious activities.

"Some pilgrims drink less water because they worry about difficulty accessing toilets at Masjidil Haram. Others become so exhausted that they forget to take their high blood pressure and diabetes medication,” he told reporters here recently.

Dr Taufik said the situation causes pilgrims’ blood pressure to become uncontrolled and also increases the risk of lung infections due to a weakened immune system.

In an effort to detect pilgrims who may potentially develop complications at an earlier stage, the medical team this season has introduced a mobile specialist clinic initiative at pilgrims’ accommodation centres to conduct screenings and close monitoring.

Through this approach, medical specialists will personally visit pilgrims to carry out health examinations and identify those who require close observation.

"In the past, patients came to us; now we go to the patients. This proactive approach not only speeds up the treatment process, but also helps the health team identify high-risk pilgrims before they travel to Arafah and Mina,” he said.

Commenting on preparations for Masyair, Dr Taufik said Malaysian medical personnel are now entering the most challenging phase of operations in the Holy Land, describing the period as the true test of the physical, mental, and emotional endurance of both staff and pilgrims.

He said nearly half of the healthcare operational burden is concentrated within the five-day Masyair phase involving Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, while teams continue actively coordinating the work of specialist doctors, medical officers, pharmacists, and emergency response units.

"If things already seem busy now, actually, we haven’t even reached 50 per cent yet. The real challenge will begin during Masyair,” he said.

Despite the operational pressure, Dr Taufik said all personnel are constantly reminded that serving and caring for the guests of Allah is itself a form of worship that carries great rewards.

"Here, it is easy for us to boost each other’s morale because everyone comes with the intention of worship. When we feel exhausted, we remind ourselves that the reward for helping the guests of Allah is immense,” he said.

He admitted that the greatest challenge is not only treating patients, but also ensuring that the morale of the staff remains strong throughout the long and demanding operations.

He said the haj season often brings deeply moving and unforgettable experiences, especially when witnessing extraordinary changes among patients.

"Sometimes there are unconscious patients, but when the time for wuquf arrives, they regain consciousness and realise they are in Arafah. Those are among the moments that make us believe that in the Holy Land, there is a strength that is difficult to explain through ordinary logic,” he said.

For the 2026 haj season, a total of 224 medical personnel, including specialists, doctors and nurses, have been assigned to the Masyair operations, the peak period for completing the essential pillars and obligatory rites of haj over five days, from the 8th to the 13th of Zulhijjah. - BERNAMA