TIMES SINGAPORE, MAKKAH – Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Chairwoman of Muslimat NU, utilized her time during her pilgrimahge in the Hajj 2024 to visit several ailing pilgrims from East Java. Her visits extended to the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Mecca, demonstrating her dedication to the well-being of Indonesian pilgrims, especially those from her province.

Khofifah's visits highlighted the commendable services provided by KKHI, which have garnered positive feedback from the pilgrims. She noted, "Today, I visited our fellow pilgrims who are being treated at KKHI. Alhamdulillah, many of them are very satisfied with KKHI's services. The professional staff and the ability to communicate in various local languages make the services more appealing to Indonesian pilgrims."

She showed particular concern for common illnesses among Indonesian pilgrims, such as pneumonia, dementia, and heart disease. Khofifah expressed hope for improved prevention strategies in the future, starting from the local level.

"We understand the patterns of diseases affecting pilgrims this year. InshaAllah, this will inform policy development, including for East Java residents, to prevent these illnesses next year. This could involve pneumonia vaccination programs, dementia screenings, and heart disease screenings, all to be discussed and decided by the Ministry of Health at the national level," said Khofifah, who also served as the Governor of East Java from 2019 to 2024.

Additionally, Khofifah visited pilgrims who were scheduled for early return to Indonesia due to health reasons. She reassured them, saying, "How are you? InshaAllah, after this, you will soon return to Indonesia, reuniting with your families. InshaAllah, your Hajj will be accepted," to which the pilgrims responded with prayers for safe journeys.

KKHI in Mecca offers an early return service (tanazul) for pilgrims needing to return home due to health concerns. This service allows pilgrims to fly back on different schedules from their original group, reducing the risk of their conditions worsening.

"I believe this early tanazul initiative is effective, allowing pilgrims with special needs to reunite with their families sooner. Having completed the Hajj 2024 rituals, their return will be eagerly awaited by their families, friends, and neighbors. InshaAllah, I pray for the health of all pilgrims as they return to their families," Khofifah concluded, sharing the prayers of the pilgrims at KKHI. (*)