RIYADH: The Ministry of Health will launch the "Hello Ramadan Health" program from today to mark the beginning of the holy month. The program aims to assist Muslims in getting health information by phone calls and faxes.
"The program is being run for the fourth consecutive year because of its popularity among citizens and expatriates," Dr. Amal Moawiya Abu Al Jedaie, supervisor general of the Health Awareness Information Center (HAIC) at the Ministry of Health told Arab News yesterday.
The ministry will assign a team of doctors to reply to queries and to clear doubts about Ramadan-related health issues. The panel will be composed of doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists and trained health personnel who can respond to any health-related questions, Amal said. During the month, callers can phone 800 24 94 444 or fax their questions to 2916754 extension 105 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on working days. "The officials at the center will help callers in providing the necessary health advice," she added.
"This year, the program will focus on patterns of medicines that should be taken during the holy month," Dr. Amal said, pointing out that patients who are suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes, cardiac diseases and renal problems should re-adjust their timetables for the intake of medicines. "We will devote the first three days to advising patients how to adjust their consumption to fall in line with the fasting period," she said. She noted that a team of specialists would be available daily at the call center from 1 to 3 p.m., while the remaining period would be covered by consultants in various fields.
"Last year, the call center was inundated with inquiries from all parts of the Kingdom. Saudi women showed more interest than men in getting health information through the program," she said, pointing out that eighty percent of the callers were women. She noted that Saudi women made use of the opportunity to get their health questions answered through this program since they believed in strict privacy. Amal pointed out that the ministry purposely detailed women to the desks so that female callers could speak freely about their problems.
The supervisor said most of the questions were related to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The callers were inquiring about the intake of their regular medicines and seeking advice to help them reduce their weight during Ramadan. Those fasting should be careful of what they eat between iftar and suhoor, she said. "Pregnant and nursing mothers are anxious to know healthy diet patterns that go with their health situations."
Answering a question regarding Muslims going for Umrah during the holy month, Amal stressed that they should strictly follow the medical advice given by their doctors. She pointed out that pilgrims should be mindful of their food and avoid crowds. "Pilgrims should abstain from eating food prepared outside a kitchen and look after their personal hygiene when they are in large groups." Basic health habits such as washing hands before food, covering their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing and avoiding scorching sun will help the pilgrims stay healthy, she said.
By Mohammed Rasooldeen
© Arab News 2008
