The General Secretariat of the Al-Abbas Holy Shrine held its sixth medical forum in preparation for the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), bringing together representatives from Iraq's Ministry of Health, health directorates, and healthcare professionals to coordinate medical services for the annual event.

Dr. Haifa Al-Tamimi, Head of the Medical Affairs Department at the Holy Shrine, told Karbala Now Agency that the forum featured a documentary highlighting the department's services, along with discussions reviewing last year's medical performance, key challenges, and plans to further improve healthcare during this year's pilgrimage.

She said the department's Arbaeen plan includes deploying 26 medical units for male and female pilgrims across Karbala's Old City and the main routes leading to the holy city. The operation will also involve paramedics from the Al-Sibt Commission, volunteers from the Medical Quality Commission, and male and female translators to assist international pilgrims.

Dr. Ali Mohammed Saleh Abu Tahin, Director General of the Karbala Health Directorate, described the forum as an important platform for exchanging expertise and developing sustainable healthcare plans. He said early coordination among the Ministry of Health, the Karbala Health Directorate, the Imam Hussain and Al-Abbas Holy Shrines, local authorities, security agencies, and volunteers has made Karbala a national model for managing health services during mass gatherings.

He added that preparations for Arbaeen are based on scientific planning, innovation, and modern emergency management practices to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims and continuously improve the quality of healthcare services.