A national review meeting on public health measures for Haj preparedness in India was organized by WHO Country Office for India and International Health Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in consultation with Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India at Hyderabad on 18-19 December 2017
The meeting, the first of its kind, brought together Ministries of Health and Minority Affairs with the concerned stakeholders.
The meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the current system of medical preparedness for Haj in India. Participants also deliberated on the recommendations for formulating national guidance on preparedness and response to mass gatherings for Haj under the IHR (2005) framework.
Some of the key recommendations were to undertake annual debriefing sessions post the Haj event, derive lessons and share experiences, improve overall national health security, and medical preparedness for Haj. It was also recommended that the medical and paramedical contingent that accompanies the Haj pilgrims each year be reviewed, in view of epidemiological transitioning.
Key dignitaries present at the meeting included Mr Ahmed Jawed, the Indian Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mr J. Alam Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs; Mr Noor Rehman Shaikh, Consul General Jeddah; Mr M.A. Khan, CEO Haj Committee and Dr Sujeet Singh, DDG-International Health Division, MoHFW.
Officials from National Centre for Disease Control, International Health authorities, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, IHR stakeholders at points of entry, medical doctors accompanying the Haj missions, key experts, partners, international experts on mass gathering management, CDC India and WHO participated in this meeting.