Improving the Quality of Health Services Reduces the Death Rate of Hajj Pilgrims
By: Gunawan Adi Putro
As a country with the largest hajj pilgrim quota in the world, the challenges faced by the Indonesian government are not only limited to logistical aspects, but also concern the quality of health services for pilgrims during their pilgrimage. Facts show that the majority of Indonesian hajj pilgrims are elderly and have comorbidities. Therefore, improving the quality of health services is the main key to reducing the death rate of hajj pilgrims which is still relatively high every year.
The government through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religion continues to make various innovations to improve health services for hajj pilgrims. One concrete step is the formation of the Indonesian Hajj Health Team (TKHI) consisting of doctors, nurses, and other health workers who accompany pilgrims from their departure until they return home. These officers are not only tasked with handling medical cases during the hajj pilgrimage, but also providing health education, monitoring daily physical conditions, and assistance for high-risk pilgrims.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of deaths of Indonesian hajj pilgrims in 2024 has decreased significantly compared to the previous year. From 773 pilgrims who died in 2023, the number dropped to 461 people in 2024. According to him, the decrease in the death rate was the result of various improvement steps taken together with the Ministry of Religion, especially in the health examination process which is now carried out earlier and more comprehensive assistance.
Through a comprehensive examination, the government can identify pilgrims with certain health conditions that require special treatment. In addition, restrictions on departure for pilgrims who do not meet health requirements are one of the early prevention measures against potential health risks in Saudi Arabia. This approach proves that the health of pilgrims is no longer considered a secondary problem, but a top priority in organizing the hajj pilgrimage.
In practice, improving health services also includes providing physical and mental preparation for pilgrims before leaving. Hajj manasik activities are now accompanied by healthy lifestyle training, including diet management, light physical exercise, and education about extreme weather and potential infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia. This step aims to strengthen the immune system of the congregation so that they are able to adapt to environmental conditions that are very different from Indonesia. As a result, more and more pilgrims are more physically and mentally prepared to face a series of fairly difficult worships.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Religion, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar also ensured that all facilities and services in Medina are ready to welcome the arrival of the first wave of group one. This includes the readiness of the lodging dormitory, transportation services between worship points, provision of food that meets the nutritional needs of Indonesian pilgrims, as well as the readiness of medical personnel and health logistics at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) Medina which has been equipped with emergency equipment and a digital reporting system to respond to any emergency conditions quickly and accurately, so that the first wave of pilgrims can carry out their worship with a sense of security and comfort from the start of their arrival.
The success of Indonesia’s hajj health services is also inseparable from the close cooperation between the Indonesian government and the Saudi Arabian authorities. The placement of the KKHI Office in Mecca and Medina as a referral health service center is an effective solution for handling serious medical cases. The Indonesian medical team working at KKHI is equipped with adequate health facilities, including an ICU room, laboratory, pharmacy, and 24-hour ambulance service. This collaboration strengthens the referral system and increases the chances of pilgrims’ safety in emergency situations.
Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organization (PHU), Hilman Latief explained that community participation is also an important factor in supporting the success of pilgrim health services. The Hajj Guidance Group (KBIH) has a role in ensuring that pilgrims follow all health procedures from their home areas. This collective awareness needs to be continuously improved so that all parties realize the importance of maintaining health before and during the pilgrimage. The spirit of mutual cooperation that is the character of the Indonesian nation has proven to be able to strengthen the resilience of pilgrims in facing the challenges of worship in the holy land.
