(a) whether the Government proposes to send a team of medical specialists to provide health care facilities to Indian Haj Yatris;
(b) if so, the norms fixed for sending such a team of specialists and the total number of doctors and pharmacists fixed for such teams; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to provide adequate facilities to Yatris during 2006?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) Yes
(b) The number of doctors and paramedical staff (including pharmacists) being deputed for Haj 2006 is 143 and 146 respectively. The selection of doctors and paramedical staff is made keeping in view the regional and linguistic requirements of Haj pilgrims. The eligibility criteria for selection is given in Annexure.
(c) The Indian Medical Mission in Saudi Arabia is adequately staffed with doctors and paramedical personnel. Besides the main hospital in Mecca and main dispensary in Medina, 11 branch dispensaries in Makkah, 4 branch dispensaries in Madina, and dispensaries at the airport and Mina region are being set up.
Government of India
Ministry of External Affairs
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN ANSWER TO PART (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1190 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2005
Eligibility Criteria and Terms and Conditions for Temporary Deputation to Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
for Haj 2006
MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL
A. Eligibility Conditions:
- For Doctors: the applicant should be presently serving in a Central/State Government Hospital or dispensary and should have five years` experience as Medical Officer (M.B.B.S.). However, in case the number of applicants with five years experience is not sufficient, applicants with two years experience may also be considered. - Only Allopathic Doctors: General Practitioners, Specialists such as Physicians, Surgeons, Orthopedics, Gynaecologists, ENT Surgeon, TB& Chest, Psychiatrist, Pathologists, Ophthalmologists, Pediatricians, Dentist, Dermatologists and Cardiologists are also eligible. - For Paramedics: the applicant should be in possession of Degree/Diploma in Nursing/ECG/Lab. Technician. Minimum five year`s service is essential. - Pharmacists should be in possession of B.Pharma Degree/Diploma. - The applicant should not be more than 50 years of age as on 1.1.2006. - The applicant must be physically fit and able to withstand the harsh climate and living conditions and the long duty hours in Saudi Arabia. - The applicant should hold a permanent post in his/her cadre. - The applicant who have been deputed thrice or more in the past, are not eligible. This condition does not apply to female Doctors and female Pharmacists.
B. Desirable Qualifications:
- Due weightage will be given to applicants having knowledge of regional languages. - Professors, Directors of Hospitals and persons holding senior positions, need not apply. Pathologists, Anesthetists, Psychiatrists, Microbiologists also need not apply.
N.B. ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH PROPER CHANNEL. APPLICATIONS SENT DIRECTLY WILL BE REJECTED.