JEDDAH: The Ministry of Health has for the third year set up a special toll-free call center for Haj pilgrims needing information and advice on health issues. The number to call is 800-249-4444. This is part of the ministry's health awareness campaign which has been running since Nov. 6, said an information officer from the ministry. He said that the center's specialists will respond to inquiries from citizens and residents before and during Haj this year. The specialists and doctors will be available at set times. On Saturday, Dr. Nasreen Al-Sherbini, Infectious Diseases consultant at the city's Military Hospital, will receive calls from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. She will answer questions about epidemic and infectious diseases, and provide advice and guidance to pilgrims on how to avoid getting infected. Dr. Munira Barajaa, Family and Community Medicine consultant at the National Guard Hospital, will take calls from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. On Sunday, the ministry's Directorate of Information and Health Awareness will provide a guidance and awareness service for pilgrims on health measures to take before and during Haj. Also on Sunday, Dr. Fatima Al-Ja'awan, Gynecology consultant at Al-Yamama Hospital, will be available from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. to answer questions from female pilgrims. Dr. Safia El-Sherbini, Diabetes and Endocrine consultant at King Fahd Medical City will also be available on Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. On Monday, Dr. Naela Anwar Al-Jadaayil, the ministry's Chest Diseases Department director will provide information regarding respiratory illnesses. Dr. Mohamed Abdul Rahman Al-Otaibi, consultant cardiologist at Prince Sultan Center for Heart Diseases and Surgery, will answer questions from elderly pilgrims. On Tuesday, Dr. Khaled Ali AlTalhi, the ministry's Tropical Medicine and Community Medicine consultant, will be available from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., to answer sick pilgrims' questions. And from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Dr. Amal Muawia Abul Jadayil, pharmacist and supervisor of the ministry's Directorate of Information and Health Awareness, will provide advice and guidance on medicine prescriptions. On Wednesday Dr. Abdullah Al-Sadhaan, the ministry's Nutrition consultant, will answer questions from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
