TULUNGAGUNG – Health officials in Tulungagung will closely monitor hundreds of high-risk Hajj pilgrims during the 2026 pilgrimage season as elderly participants dominate this year’s departure list.
The Tulungagung Health Agency reported that 365 prospective pilgrims fall into the high-risk category due to age and medical conditions. Officials also recorded a sharp rise in elderly pilgrims, with 509 of the 1,155 registered Hajj pilgrims aged over 60.
Tulungagung Health Agency head Desi Lusiana Wardhani said medical teams have intensified health supervision before departure and during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“In addition to elderly pilgrims, we identified 365 pilgrims as high risk. They will require special monitoring throughout the Hajj process,” Desi said.
The agency carried out health screenings on 1,429 prospective pilgrims during the preparation stage. Medical teams later declared 1,326 pilgrims medically fit, or meeting the istitaah health requirement for Hajj.
Meanwhile, doctors ruled that five prospective pilgrims did not meet the required health standards. Officials identified one pilgrim with dementia, two with heart disease, and two others with limited ability to carry out daily activities independently.
Desi said health assessments covered physical condition, medical history, and daily activity capacity. Authorities want to ensure that every departing pilgrim can safely complete the demanding pilgrimage rituals.
“Our medical evaluation process remains comprehensive because pilgrims must stay physically capable during the Hajj journey,” she explained.
To support the large number of elderly and high-risk pilgrims, the Tulungagung administration has deployed 10 Hajj health officers. The team consists of four doctors and six nurses assigned to accompany pilgrims during the pilgrimage stages.
In addition, the local government has assigned three regional Hajj officers specializing in healthcare services. They will assist pilgrims from departure until arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Health officials have also completed mandatory vaccinations for all registered pilgrims. Each pilgrim received meningitis, polio, and Covid-19 vaccines as part of the travel requirements.
“All 1,155 pilgrims have received mandatory vaccinations,” Desi confirmed.
Besides vaccinations, the Health Agency has intensified health counseling, fitness tests, and medical education programs. Officials continue to encourage pilgrims to maintain physical fitness before departure.
The agency will also monitor pilgrims during the final preparation phase, including during their stay at the Surabaya Hajj Embarkation Dormitory. Medical officers will then transfer health monitoring responsibilities to flight group officers before departure to Saudi Arabia.
Desi stressed that health discipline remains essential, especially for elderly pilgrims and those with chronic illnesses. She urged pilgrims to maintain healthy eating habits, get enough rest, and continue taking prescribed medication regularly.
“We hope all pilgrims stay healthy in the Holy Land, complete their worship smoothly, and return home safely,” she said.