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Swine flu vaccination 'must' for pilgrims |
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Sunday, 06 September 2009 00:13 |
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Dr. Mutlaq Al-Qarawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, recently announced that swine flu vaccines will be available prior to the start of the hajj season.
Al-Qarawi indicated that vaccination will be compulsory for all pilgrims, adding that the ministry will not be registering any applicants for the hajj services until they provide documents from the Ministry of Health that proves they have been vaccinated.
The vaccines will be provided free of charge. Meanwhile, Al-Qarawi revealed that the establishment of the committee for checking the residences of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina have concluded and will start operations on Sept 28.
In addition, Al-Qarawi also said that workers in Hajj campaigns will be given training courses on precautionary procedures against the swine flu virus as part of their preparations for the hajj season. These efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Al-Sabah, commended the measures taken by the government to tackle the swine flu virus, which he said set an example that was followed by other GCC countries.
Al-Mohammad made his comments during a ghabqa that was held by Ambassador Ali Al-Haifi, where he said that the local press and media has focused on the negative sides of the issue while neglecting the positive sides of it. He finally wished for God Almighty to protect the people from this threat, Al-Rai reported.
Kuwaittimes
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