Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has issued a directive, urging individuals to prevent visiting the hospital, unless it is absolutely necessary.
The directive was issued as several pilgrims that returned from Hajj pilgrimage, who visited the Hajj Clinic of IGMH showed symptoms of cold. Hence, the hospital has taken important measures for the safety of patients, the staff and the community. As such, IGMH urged individuals to reduce the number of visits to the hospital, and to refrain from visting unless it is necessary. They emphasised the importance of reducing the duration spent in the hospital during visits and to wear masks, especially if showing symptoms of cold.
IGMH underscored the crucial importance of societal support to reduce the widespread of communicable diseases, especially during this period where several infectious diseases continue to spread. The diseases spreading throughout the community increased following the Hajj season, and the return of the pilgrims. To provide medical treatment to the pilgrims, IGMH commenced services of the Flu Clinic on June 26. The clinic is situated in the consultation room 10, near "Luibuin Takeaway" in the hospital. The hospital revealed that the clinic will provide blood test samples daily, from 0800hrs to 2000hrs.
While IGMH has established a health facility designated for the Hajj pilgrims, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also cautioned against the spread of Invasive Meningococcal Disease. HPA has revealed that Maldives has swiftly responded to a case of meningococcal disease by identifying and providing antibiotic prophylactic medicine to 46 contacts associated with the case. they further emphasised the significance of vaccination in preventing the disease. The meningitis vaccine requires about two weeks to build immunity, making it crucial for individuals, especially pilgrims, to get vaccinated well in advance. Therefore, the agency advised anyone showing symptoms less than 14 days after vaccination or who has not been vaccinated to seek immediate medical attention.
This year, a total of 1,150 pilgrims embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage. Of these, 1,149 individuals performed the pilgrimage.