2023 Hajj: 6 Nigerian Pilgrims Die in Saudi Arabia, 30 Undergoing Treatment, Details Emerge
- Six Nigerian pilgrims have passed away in the ongoing 2023 Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
- Usman Galadima, the head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, called for stronger pre-hajj medical screening to address the mortality rate and restrict unfit individuals from participating
- The medical team also reported cases of mental challenges, miscarriages, amputation due to diabetes complications, and a rising number of fractures among older pilgrims
Makkah, Saudi Arabia - Six Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2023 Hajj have died in the course of the exercise, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced.
Usman Galadima, the head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, made this known on Saturday, June 24, during a meeting of the commission in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Premium Times reported.
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng gathers that two deaths each were recorded from delegations representing Osun and Kaduna states, while Plateau state recorded one death.
Galadima calls for strengthening of pre-hajj medical screening
To address the increasing mortality rate, Usman Galadima emphasised the need to strengthen the pre-hajj medical screening of intending pilgrims.
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He said individuals deemed "not fit to travel" should be restricted from participating in the Hajj.
Galadima also noted that being healthy and having the means to undertake the pilgrimage are prerequisites, advocating for effective pre-hajj screening.
Hajj 2023: Other health issues among Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, in addition to the deaths, the medical team diagnosed 30 patients with mental challenges who are currently undergoing treatment and are expected to perform the Hajj.
Two miscarriages were recorded, along with the successful delivery of a seven-month pregnancy through a Caesarian section.
One patient underwent amputation due to diabetes complications. Furthermore, the medical team expressed concern over the increasing number of fractures among older pilgrims, with eight cases already recorded.
Hajj 2023: Governor Uzodimma sponsors 200 Muslim pilgrims
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodimma, flagged off the 2023 hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Muslim pilgrims in the state.
Governor Uzodimma, at the Government House exco chambers in Owerri, charged the 200 Muslims in the State going for Haji to be true ambassadors of the State and be of good behaviour.
The Governor appreciated the Muslim community in the state for their understanding and reassured them of continued peace for all.
Source: Legit.ng
