Over 680,000 Essential Medical and Educational Services Available for Arbaeen Pilgrims

Over 680,000 Essential Medical and Educational Services Available for Arbaeen Pilgrims

Since the commencement of the Arbaeen pilgrimage on July 26 and continuing until August 9, the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Organization has delivered an impressive 682,278 educational and healthcare services to countless pilgrims. This annual event, recognized as one of the largest religious gatherings globally, occurs 40 days after Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of Shia Muslims and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This year, the pilgrimage culminates on August 14, drawing a massive crowd to Karbala, home to the sacred shrine of Imam Hussein (AS).

The EMS Organization has played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of pilgrims, providing a range of services that include:

  • Medical and prehospital care: 50,468 individuals have received essential medical attention.
  • Preventive health services: 555,849 people have benefited from preventive measures aimed at maintaining their health.
  • Educational services: 75,961 individuals have utilized educational resources to enhance their understanding of health and safety during the pilgrimage.

In addition to these critical services, EMS experts have also attended to:

  • Injured pilgrims and patients: 40,974 individuals were visited, with 1,997 transferred to medical centers and 38,977 treated on-site.

Health teams are strategically positioned at nine border terminals, where they monitor essential aspects of health such as:

  • Environmental health
  • Sanitation
  • Safe water
  • Food safety
  • Communicable diseases

These health services are set to continue until August 24. In a unique initiative this year, the health ministry has dispatched a team of Persian medicine experts to provide specialized health services to pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. This dedicated team comprises:

  • Physicians
  • Masseurs
  • Nurses
  • Translators

To enhance the quality of healthcare services, the Iranian Traditional Medicine Association has organized specialized training courses for health staff. These courses include:

  • Arabic language training to facilitate better communication with pilgrims.
  • Pain management techniques utilizing massage and acupuncture.

The team is also set to distribute approximately 5,000 health packages, which will include:

  • Ointments
  • Oils
  • Sachets of herbs

These packages are designed to help pilgrims avoid common health issues during their journey.

International Congress on “Health in Arbaeen”

The 5th International Congress on “Health in Arbaeen” took place in Tehran from May 26 to 27, featuring participants from six different countries. This year’s congress attracted numerous attendees, along with 24 international lecturers from:

  • Italy
  • Iraq
  • Palestine
  • Lebanon
  • The Netherlands
  • The United Kingdom

According to IRNA, the primary objective of the congress is to familiarize physicians with healthcare and treatment issues during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Abdolreza Pazoki, an official with the health ministry, emphasized that the focus was on addressing endemic diseases that may be transmitted by Afghan and Pakistani pilgrims traveling through Iran to Iraq.

The discussions at the congress also revolved around:

  • Guidelines for treating skin and musculoskeletal diseases
  • Essential medicines and medical equipment

Consistent with previous years, medical universities located at border areas will actively monitor infectious diseases through preventive strategies.

With continued dedication and extensive preparation, the Iranian health services are ensuring a safe pilgrimage experience for all participants during this significant event.

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