The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the unfortunate demise of six Nigerian pilgrims who were participating in the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During a meeting of the commission in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, Usman Galadima, the Head of the NAHCON 2023 Hajj medical team, delivered this somber news.
Galadima revealed that there were two deaths each from the delegations of Osun and Kaduna States for the 2023 Hajj, while Plateau State recorded one loss.
In addition to the fatalities, Galadima also disclosed that the medical team had diagnosed 30 patients with mental challenges, who are currently undergoing treatment and expected to still perform the hajj.
“We have been managing them in our facilities. We have about four psychiatrists in the team. We have been managing them and all of them would likely perform hajj because they are a bit stable now,” he said.
Furthermore, Galadima shared the disheartening news that the 2023 Hajj clinic had experienced two miscarriages but had successfully delivered one baby.
As a proactive measure to address the mortality rate during Hajj, Galadima emphasized the need to strengthen the pre-hajj medical screening of intending pilgrims.
He also urged for restrictions on those who are deemed “not fit to travel” in order to prevent any further tragedies.
