Flu clinics open in Male’ for hajj pilgrims

The Health Ministry has opened flu clinics in the greater Male’ area, for Maldivian pilgrims returning from the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The first group of Maldivian pilgrims returned to Male’ on June 24. More are set to return on Monday, and the last of the pilgrims will return on July 4.

In a statement on Monday morning, the Health Ministry said that flu clinics for pilgrims have been set up at the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ City, as well as in Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.

The ministry said the special flu clinics were set up to provide pilgrims who exhibit flu symptoms with safe and convenient access to medical care.

It said that the government also wishes to control a possible outbreak of flu and viral fevers.

The ministry added that it was also ready to open flu clinics in other areas of the country if there is a rise in cases of flu and viral fever.

The ministry urged pilgrims who exhibit flu symptoms to get themselves checked out at the special clinics, as soon as possible, in order to control the spread.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) had previously urged the public to reduce the number of visitors to the airport to receive returning pilgrims. The agency also urged the public to avoid crowds, and wear masks when at the airport, or when using public transport such as taxis, buses or ferries.

Meanwhile, the main government hospital, IGMH, has asked the public to limit visits to the hospital to essential purposes.

1,150 Maldivians travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s hajj, including 50 people who received government sponsorship to perform the pilgrimage.