IRCS to Send Medicines, Medical Equipment for Hajj Pilgrims

The Iranian Red Crescent Society’s Medical Procurement Organization will send 60 tons of medicines and medical equipment, including 350 types of medications and 500 medical equipment, to Saudi Arabia to be used by Iranian pilgrims during the hajj pilgrimage, an official with the society said.

“This year only some medicines such as saline solution will be purchased in Saudi Arabia,” Ali Marashi added, putting the total number of healthcare team members of IRCS in Mecca and Medina at 570, ILNA repported.

A total of 86,000 Iranians are expected to attend hajj this year, 22,000 more than two years ego. No Iranian pilgrims attended the ritual last year because of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Millions of Muslims from across the world travel to Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina, for the annual pilgrimage, a central pillar of the Islamic faith that re-enacts the actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from more than 1,400 years ago. The pilgrimage takes place from the 8th to 12th (or in some cases 13th) of the last month of the Islamic calendar. The pilgrimage’s beginning date falls on August 29 this year.