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Riyadh: Dr Hamad Abdullah Al Manea, the Saudi Health Minister, said his ministry has drawn up an integrated plan to prevent spread of epidemic diseases during Haj.
He added that an integrated health plan has been adopted to provide comprehensive medical services to pilgrims during this Haj.
Addressing a press conference he said the ministry has instructed the health authorities at the kingdom's entry points to tighten screenings of pilgrims especially those coming from countries affected by cholera as stated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its daily bulletin.
According to WHO, 50 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are suffering from cholera.
Al Manea said the health authorities at the kingdom's entry points were also instructed to quarantine pilgrims suspected of having the disease and those who fail to produce vaccination certificates.
"As a precautionary measure all liquid and food not packed in cans brought by pilgrims will be confiscated," he said.
Dr Reda Khaleel, Advisor at Health Department at the Ministry and Head of Haj Preparatory Committee, said: "We basically aim ... to make sure that the kingdom is [free from] any epidemic disease."
Dr Khaleel said this year's plan covers preventive, therapeutic and supporting medical services as well as ambulance services. The ministry will assign a trained medical and administrative team to carry out the plan.
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