First batch of Haj pilgrims of HCOI reaches Makkah

Jeddah 23 July 2018: (Bhatkallys New Bureau) The first batch of Indian pilgrims coming through Haj Committee of India (HCOI) reached Makkah from Madinah today at 3 PM. These pilgrims were received at Makkah by the Consul General of India Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh along with DCG/Consul (Haj) Mohd Shahid Alam and Vice Consul (Haj)/In-Charge, Makkah Office Asif Saeed. The pilgrims arrived in Madinah from India on 14th July 2018. Today, 3,746 pilgrims will move from Madinah to Makkah. New and good quality buses are being used for the movement of Hajis between Madinah and Makkah. So far, 133 flights arrived in Madinah from India carrying 37,578 Hajis. The last Haj flight in Madinah will be on 2nd August. The first flight in Jeddah will arrive on 29th July at 9.30 AM carrying 420 Hajis from Chennai. The last Haj flight for Indian Hajis will be on 16th August 2018. All arrangements for accommodation of Indian Hajis in Green category and Azizia category, transportation of Hajis between Azizia and Haram Sharief by new & good quality buses, supply of tri-coloured umbrellas to all Hajis, supply of 2 bedsheets to all Hajis etc are in place. About 600 Officials deputed by Ministry of Minority Affairs have already reached Makkah and Madinah and are providing assistance to the Hajis. Besides Main Haj Offices in Makkah and Madinah, two 40-bedded Hospitals in Azizia, 10-bedded Hospital in Makkah, 14 Branch Offices-cum- Dispensaries in Makkah/Azizia, 15-bedded Hospital in Madinah and 3 Branch Office-cum-Dispensaries in Madinah are 24X7 functional. The newly introduced e-MASIHA (electronic- Medical Assistance System for Indian Hajis Abroad), developed by the Consulate, is working quite well for providing OPD services to the Indian Hajis, informed a press release from the Consulate (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Habibullah Mohtesham)