2009-11-21 21:47:40
Makkah, 21st Nov. 2009 (WAM) - A top Saudi health official has lauded as ''integrated'' and ''assuring'' the precautionary measures and guidelines adopted by the UAE health authorities to guard pilgrims against the A H1N1 flu as part of its national Awareness Campaign against A H1N1 flu (You care . We care . The World cares).

Dr. Ahmed Al Khalaiwi, Director of Communicable Diseases Department, Saudi Ministry of Health, these preventive measures to protect pilgrims were a source of admiration in terms of prepardness and precautions.

''What we have seen during our tour of the UAE medical team is beyond our expectations,'' he said after a tour of the medical facility of the UAE Official Hajj Mission today.

He termed these measures as best health protocols that can be taken in such a situation.

The Saudi health official met with Dr. Abdul Karim Al Zarounie, Head of the Mission's Medical Team to review the UAE anti-H1N1 plan during the Hajj season.

Dr. Al Zarounie updated the Saudi official on precautionary measures and educational programmes adopted by his team to protect UAE pilgrims from the H1N1 virus before their departing the UAE to the holy lands and during and after the Haj season.

Dr Al Zarounie familiarized the Saudi team with the measures adopted by his team to take care of the health being of pilgrims so as to perform their hajj rituals safely.

''We have prepared a 200-bed isolation centre in Makkah to handle any possible H1N1 outbreak among UAE pilgrims,'' he affirmed.

Dr. Al Zarounie expressed profound thanks to the UAE leadership for providing the UAE Official Hajj Mission with all its needs to discharge its responsibilities towards the UAE pilgrims.

He added the early collective concerted and sustained coordination and cooperation between the health ministry, health authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments had produced excellent results in this respect and put in place highest standards of health services delivered to UAE pilgrims.

He thanked the Saudi health ministry for its care and its desires to offer assistance and support if needed.

WAM/MAB