Iran Sends Medical Team to Karbala

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Red Crescent Society has sent a 61-strong medical team to the holy city of Karbala.

Ali Heidari, an official with the society’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Department, told IQNA that the team has left Iran for Karbala ahead of Arbaeen (the anniversary of the 40^th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), which falls on Monday, December 23, this year).

He said the team, comprising specialists, nurses and medics, will provide the pilgrims in Karbala with medical services during the Arbaeen mourning processions.

Heidari stated that the Red Crescent Society has three permanent medical clinics in Karbala and that three more makeshift clinics are also being set up in the city for Arbaeen.

He noted that the number of pilgrims converging in Karbala for Arbaeen this year has significantly increased compared to previous years.

The Iraqi government officials say the holy city will be hosting some 20 million pilgrims from inside Iraq as well as other countries, including Iran, on the day of Arbaeen this year.

Meanwhile, security measures have been beefed up to ensure the security of the large number of mourners.

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