The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that about 75 pregnant pilgrims have been referred to hospitals in Makkah and Medina for urgent medical attention. Despite an awareness campaign against pregnant women embarking on Hajj, many have ignored the advice and travelled to the Holy Land while pregnant.
Usman Galadima of the Nigerian medical team has said that due to the physical demands of Hajj, pregnant women are urged not to attend. Even the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia are not ideal for pregnancy. He disclosed that 30 women were referred to hospitals in Madina, while another 45 have been referred in Makkah.
Mr Galadima also spoke about the major challenge the medical team is facing with pilgrims who have chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Many of them did not come to Hajj with their medications because Nigerian officials at the airports had confiscated them. As long as the prescribed medication is packed in its original packaging, Saudi authorities won’t confiscate them. He added that the NAHCON clinics have recorded an increase in pilgrims admitted over the lack of access to prescribed medicines.
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and millions of Muslims from around the world participate in the event. Over 96,000 pilgrims from Nigeria are expected to participate in the 2023 pilgrimage. As such, the Nigerian authorities urge everyone to take necessary precautions before embarking on the journey.
