Haj 2026: Poonch Health Department Vaccinates 119 Pilgrims Ahead of Holy Journey to Saudi Arabia

POONCH, February 6, 2026 — In preparation for the upcoming annual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, the Health Department of Poonch successfully organized a comprehensive vaccination and medical screening drive for 119 Haj pilgrims on Friday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, reported that the cohort includes 66 pilgrims from Haveli Poonch, 39 from Mendhar, and 14 from Surankote, comprising 81 males and 38 females, with 15 individuals specifically categorized as senior citizens over the age of 65.

To ensure maximum accessibility, the vaccination camps were strategically held at the CMO Office in Poonch and the Block Medical Officer (BMO) offices in Mendhar and Surankote.

Beyond the mandatory vaccinations, each pilgrim underwent a personalized medical assessment, including Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening to ensure they are fit for travel.

During the drive, Dr. Khan personally sensitized the pilgrims on essential health precautions, the effective use of first-aid kits, and strategies to manage the drastic climatic transition between India and Saudi Arabia.

The event concluded with health officials ensuring a seamless, hassle-free process for all devotees, reaffirming the department’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the pilgrims during their spiritual journey.