The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday convened a strategic meeting with State National Medical Team Leaders to strengthen health screening procedures for prospective pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj operations.
The meeting, held at the Hajj House Conference Hall in Abuja, focused on ensuring full compliance with medical screening guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which remain mandatory for all participating countries.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s health regulations must strictly guide Nigeria’s Hajj medical operations without exception. He warned that any deviation could negatively affect the country’s Hajj participation, stressing that the guidelines directly shape operational decisions taken by Saudi authorities.
Professor Usman called for unity, cooperation and total commitment among all stakeholders, describing effective healthcare delivery as a cornerstone of a successful Hajj exercise. He reiterated that medical screening is the responsibility of state pilgrims’ boards, with clear accountability placed on healthcare personnel who issue medical clearances.
He further reminded participants that all medical information uploaded onto the Saudi Masar Platform is fully traceable, making accuracy, honesty and professional integrity non-negotiable.
During the meeting, participants reviewed health conditions that could disqualify intending pilgrims in line with Saudi requirements. These include organ failure, uncontrolled chronic illnesses, severe mental health conditions, communicable diseases, cancer patients on active treatment, and pregnancy.
Speaking at the forum, Chairman of the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Alhaji Idris Almakura, described the National Medical Teams as critical to the overall success of Hajj operations. He urged members to uphold professionalism, diligence and seriousness in the discharge of their duties, noting that their decisions directly impact the safety and lives of pilgrims.
The forum also stressed the need for early preparation and the timely establishment of medical facilities, cautioning against delays that hampered previous Hajj exercises. Mandatory vaccinations, including COVID-19, meningitis and yellow fever, were once again reaffirmed as compulsory for all pilgrims.
The meeting ended with a collective pledge by all stakeholders to strictly adhere to Saudi health guidelines, with the shared goal of safeguarding Nigerian pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation.
