HIGH-TECH LAB TO DETECT H1N1 VIRUS IN PILGRIMS

MECCA, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Arabian Government will soon set up a high-tech laboratory in Arafat to detect the H1N1 virus in pilgrims, ahead of the Aidil Adha this month, a Saudi Arabian English daily reported today.

According to the Arab News, Minister of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeah has allayed whatever impending panic pertaining to the disease which he said, was like any other seasonal flu.

He said all necessary steps had been taken by hospitals to deal with the infection.

“A special feature of the hospitals is that they are both equipped with advanced medical apparatus and could be converted into intensive care units, should the need arise,” he said after inspecting health facilities at holy sites

on Friday.

Al-Rabeah said that health centres were also opened in Jeddah where a new 100-bed hospital was set up.

He also visited health centres in Arafat and a new 219-bed hospital which was built in Mina. There are 15 clinics in Mina with a total capacity of 140 beds.

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