The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the death of a male Nigerian pilgrim in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. According to the Commission’s head of Medical Team, Dr. Usman Galadima, another pilgrim was amputated in Madinah while three women had miscarriages, and many others are critically ill.
Dr. Galadima revealed that six operational NAHCON clinics have attended to 11,000 patients since the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 26th of May, 2023. He also lamented the high number of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia for the 2023 pilgrimage.
As of press time, AERO flight with registration number NIG8055 has airlifted 473 Kaduna pilgrims and 1 official to Madinah. The commission has airlifted 63,448 pilgrims with 151 flights out of 75,000 prospective Nigerian pilgrims.
Dr. Galadima further disclosed that many pilgrims have certain ailments, while some display undesirable attitudes, leading them to critical health situations. Most of the common ailments are respiratory tract infections, cough, sore throats, pains in the legs and joints, malaria, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
He added that they had several cases that required emergency resuscitation and referral to Saudi Arabia hospitals. Moreover, Dr. Galadima emphasized that some patients do not visit the clinic on time, leading to complications.
The Commission’s Head of Medical Team confirmed that many pilgrims have complications arising from chronic illnesses. He cited diabetes foot, which required a female pilgrim’s foot amputation to prevent her death.
The Commission also noticed an increase in bathroom falls, especially among the elderly, with four cases currently undergoing treatment. According to Dr. Galadima, the floors are tiled and slippery, which makes them hazardous.
In conclusion, the Hajj 2023 pilgrimage is not without its challenges, as some Nigerian pilgrims have lost their lives, with others undergoing critical medical care. Nonetheless, NAHCON remains committed to ensuring Nigerian pilgrims’ safety and well-being during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
