Photo: Getty Images
Over 28,000 pilgrims from different parts of India have arrived so far in Saudi Arabia for Haj, Indian mission in the Gulf Kingdom has said. According to India's Jeddah Consulate, Haj pilgrims from India started arriving in the Saudi from September 17 at Jeddah and Medina airports.
The first flight carrying over 400 pilgrims from Kolkata landed in Jeddah on September 17, which was received by Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Consul General of India in Jeddah. "More than 500 deputationists appointed by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India including 117 doctors and 143 paramedics have also arrived in the Kingdom and are serving the pilgrims," the Consulate said.
Twelve branch offices have been set up in Mecca and 5 others in Medina, where officials and local employees have been deployed to receive and to serve the pilgrims and take care of their grievances. Three Indian hospitals, two 50 bedded in Mecca and one 30
bedded in Medina are serving the pilgrims round the clock. Over 6,000 pilgrims have been treated and given medical attention through these hospitals. The pilgrims above 70 years of age or more are being checked by the hospital staff and given all the necessary medical treatments.
Assistance has been provided to 18 pilgrims who have lost their money/belongings by the Indian Pilgrims Welfare Fund. All preparations are in place and Consulate General of India, Jeddah is constantly monitoring the situation.
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