MAKKAH: Volunteers from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah continued to provide field health services to pilgrims in Mina on the first day of Tashreeq on Monday, during the 2024 Hajj season. Ahmad Hassan Mufti, the vice dean of the College of Medicine for Development and Entrepreneurship at the university, told Arab News that the training program, known as the Hajj Volunteer Program, was established 12 years ago. He said: “It is part of the medicine and surgery bachelor’s program, enabling students to acquire various skills while offering primary health services during the Hajj season.” Mufti said the medical volunteer program offered five different tracks, and added: “Students in the Makkah hospitals track collaborate with city hospitals to provide healthcare services.” For the holy sites hospitals and centers track, students offer healthcare services in locations in Mina and Arafat. Mufti said that students in the education track provide educational materials and awareness programs to pilgrims, helping them to understand health risks and preventive measures. Meanwhile, the research and innovation track involves students conducting various research projects on health issues during the Hajj season and developing innovations to benefit pilgrims. Field volunteers are located in sites such as the pedestrian corridor in Mina, as well as the majority of hospitals in the city and holy sites. Mufti said: “Approximately 600 male and female students are taking part in all tracks this year, with the number increasing annually.” When the program began 12 years ago, only 30 students participated. The number of working hours and days varies according to each track. Field teams participate approximately six hours per day, while working hours at hospitals range from eight to 10 hours each day. Mufti added: “Medical students constitute 90 percent of the participants, but participation is available to other health specialties as well.” The program aims to assist pilgrims visiting the holy sites but also aims to develop medical professionals. Students will be equipped with various skills to help with health issues during the Hajj season. Mufti said: “The program also aims to enhance students’ leadership abilities, train them in handling disasters and emergencies, and teach them effective communication skills with patients from diverse backgrounds.” The goal of the Hajj Volunteer Program is to enlist volunteer healthcare professionals from various health colleges at Umm Al-Qura University. This enables them to serve visitors in Hajj and Umrah, as outlined in the principles of volunteering in Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to inspire students, target future leaders, provide training in disaster management, and help administer emergency medical assistance.