TAKE YOUR MEDICATION, PILGRIMS TOLD
Perception that prayers will liberate them from dependence on medication dangerous, says physician
ONE of the issues of great concern among Malaysian doctors serving in the Holy Land is that some pilgrims stop taking medication for chronic diseases, thinking that their illnesses will be “cured” here.
Public health physician Dr Suhaila Osman said the perception that their prayers here would liberate them from dependence on medication was ill-advised and dangerous.
“It can have dire consequences on their health, especially those on medication for hypertension, diabetes and heart problems.
“I advise those with chronic diseases to bring their medication to the Holy Land, take them as prescribed and ensure that they eat three main meals a day as they need to keep their energy levels up,” she told Malaysian media here.
She said another problem involved pilgrims who refused to seek treatment for health issues as they were afraid it would affect their wukuf.
Wukuf, which represents the pinnacle of the haj, will see pilgrims staying in tents at the Plain of Arafah. It is a most auspicious day in Islam as it is said that during wukuf, or Day of Arafah, the skies will open up and Allah will accept sincere prayers and repentance. Failure to be present at Arafah on 9 Zulhijjah would invalidate a pilgrim’s haj.
Dr Suhaila said one pilgrim refused to seek treatment for leg pain, adding that when she finally did, the nerve issue could be rectified only with an operation.
To ensure pilgrims get the required treatment, the public health physicians team under Tabung Haji will visit them in their rooms.
“This year, our team, comprising paramedics, nurses and assistant medical officers, is bigger as there is greater awareness that we can help bring down the number of inpatients and outpatients by acting as the first line of defence,” Dr Suhaila said.
“We create awareness via our talks at the pilgrims’ accommodation buildings and by visiting their rooms.
“We will visit the rooms of all newly-arrived pilgrims.”
At one of her talks attended by pilgrims who have just arrived here, Dr Suhaila advised them to keep hydrated by drinking three to four litres of water a day as temperatures were high.
“This is equivalent to 10 regular-sized bottles of mineral water. Wash fruits bought at stalls before eating them to prevent bacterial infection, diarrhoea and other ailments.”
She advised pilgrims to look out for signs of depression among their roommates and to report those who did not return to their rooms.