By Abdulbasit Abba
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) today held a meeting with State National Medical Team Leaders at the Hajj House Conference Hall, Abuja, to reinforce medical screening standards for prospective pilgrims ahead of Hajj operations.
In his welcome address, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, Chairman NAHCON, stated that the medical screening guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must strictly guide Nigeria’s Hajj health operations. He stressed that Nigeria must comply fully and without compromise, as the guidelines directly inform operational decisions. He called for unity, cooperation, and total commitment from all stakeholders, noting that effective healthcare delivery is central to the success of Hajj.
The meeting reaffirmed that medical screening remains a state-level responsibility, with clear accountability for healthcare personnel issuing medical clearance. Participants were reminded that all medical data uploaded to the Saudi Masar Platform is traceable, making accuracy and integrity essential.
Key health conditions that may disqualify pilgrims: including organ failures, uncontrolled chronic diseases, severe mental health conditions, communicable diseases, cancer on active treatment, and pregnancy were reviewed in line with Saudi health requirements.
Chairman, Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Alh. Idris Almakura described the National Medical Teams as critical to the success of Hajj operations, urging members to sustain professionalism, integrity, and seriousness in screening, as their decisions directly safeguard lives.
The forum also emphasized early preparation and timely establishment of medical facilities, warning against delays experienced in previous operations. Mandatory vaccinations, including COVID-19, meningitis, and yellow fever, were reaffirmed.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to strict compliance with Saudi health guidelines to ensure pilgrim safety and a successful Hajj.
Abba writes from
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON).
