Implementation of Special Health Plan Begins in Karbala Ahead of Ashura
Sabah al-Mousawi, director of the health department of Karbala Governorate, said medical and health teams have been mobilized to implement the plan, Mawazin News reported.
He said all the necessary preparations have been made and required equipment have been supplied to provide the best health and medical services to the pilgrims.
According to the official, the health departments in neighboring governorates of Najaf and Babil are also contributing to the emergency plan.
He said that as part of the plan, 65 ambulances have been deployed to different parts of the holy city of Karbala where large numbers of people gather.
Also 50 teams of health experts monitor the distribution of water and food among the pilgrims to make sure they’re healthy.
Like previous years, the main focus of health measures and services will be on preventing the spread of the coronavirus, al-Mousawi noted.
“We try to raise awareness among the citizens and pilgrims about the importance of commitment to the health protocols in this regard,” he stated.
Muharram, which began today, July 30, is the first month in the lunar Hijri calendar.
Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in the month of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.
The third Shia Imam (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time - Yazid Bin Muawiya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD.
Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is locate, hosts millions of pilgrims from Iraq and other countries during Muharram.
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