DNA sampling for Hajj stampede victims begins

Al-Nour Specialist Hospital has started taking the DNA of the next of kin of the unidentified deceased victims of the Mina Stampede.

Al-Nour Specialist Hospital Director Ayman Yamani said the Ministry of Health has assigned the hospital to take DNA samples of the next of kin of the victims.

The Ministry of Health has also assigned Al-Moissem Emergency Complex to receive the deceased bodies after they have been identified via the DNA test conducted at the complex as well, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The complex is offering DNA sampling for the relatives of the deceased victims, who are currently in the Kingdom. As for the relatives that are not in the Kingdom, they may send the results of their DNA tests to the Ministry of Health at their country. The Ministry of Health will cooperate with the respective ministries to receive the results.

“We are interested in direct next of kin such as mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. We have all of the services and equipment needed.

Visitors will find helpful staff members willing to answer all of their inquiries,” said Al-Nour’s Yamani.

He added the hospital has a fully-equipped laboratory with enough capacity to run the tests and give back the results to the victim’s family quickly.

“We are using the same laboratory we use for running DNA tests for engaged couples who are about to get married. We have recently upgraded the equipment to give accurate results faster.

Visitors can come and wait at our reception hall while we process their paperwork and take other DNA samples,” said Yamani.

“Visitors are taken from the waiting area to the laboratory in a golf cart. The process of taking their DNA only takes minutes and they receive their results in a few hours,” he added.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on Oct. 3, 2015.