Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Jul 22: An immunization camp for Haj pilgrims of the district was organized at Yenepoya Hospital here on Wednesday July 22.

The pilgrims who will soon head for the Islamic holy land in Saudi Arabia via direct flights to Medina from the city were vaccinated for meningitis.

Karnataka state Hajj committee in association with district wakf advisory council made arrangements for administering the mandatory meningitis-brain fever vaccine as well as polio drops at Yenepoya Hospital.

As many as 450 Hajj aspirants will be administered the vaccine. Health cards were also distributed to the pilgrims.

NAS Airlines of Saudi Arabia will fly the pilgrims to Medina directly. A total of 711 pilgrims will board the flight, of which 450 are from Mangaluru, 50 from Udupi, 82 from Chikmagalur, 66 from Hasan and 63 from Kodagu. They will board from Mangaluru International Airport. Flights will begin from August 16.

Addressing the media Roshan Baig's secretary Ijaz Ahmed said, "4,600 pilgrims from Karnataka have prepared for the Hajj yathra. 2,050 people have made reservations and the others won tickets through lottery."

Ijaz Ahmed also said that accomodation will be provided to those pilgrims from other places who board the fight in Mangaluru.

Vaccination programme for the Hajj pilgrims of Udupi will be held tomorrow in Udupi itself.

Sarfaraz Khan, CEO of Karnataka Hajj comittee, Y Mohammed Kunhi president of district Hajj administration panel, Abubakkar waqf official, Rasheed Ali president of district waqf advisory committee and others were present on the occasion.