Friday, November 25 2005 11:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India's Consulate General was setting up one hospital and 11 dispensaries-cum-Haj offices in Mecca, the Lok Sabha was informed today (Nov 25, 2005).

It was also setting up one main dispensary and four branch dispensaries-cum-Haj offices in Medina and dispensaries at Mina and Arafat airports, according to a statement on facilities for Indian Haj pilgrims for 2006.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed told the House in a reply that Saudi Arabia and India had reached an agreement to extend more facilities to Indian pilgrims.

As part of the agreement, Indian pilgrims will be provided with the Internet facility to enable them to communicate with their relatives back home.

Discussions have also been held to ensure greater accommodation for Indians near Jamarat in Mina, the House was told.

Indian pilgrims will be required to pin on their clothing special stickers carrying health details during Haj next year.

A total of 147,000 Indians are likely to visit Saudi Arabia next year for Haj, Ahamed said.

There will be 15 embarkation points for them across the as have been during Haj, 2005, he added.