Press Release
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has expressed its profound gratitude and commendation to the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate for his support and assistance since assumption of office.
The Chairman of the Commission, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi made the commendation on Monday on a Freedom Radio Group, Kaduna Station, Hausa programme, Barka Da Warhaka.
He said that the Health Ministry, through its National Primary Health Development Agency has supplied the Commission with a consignment of assorted and essential drugs to ensure a comprehensive and extensive healthcare delivery to Nigerian pilgrims in both Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
He said he was elated that the Minister believes it was the duty and responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure effective healthcare delivery and wellbeing of Nigerians within and outside the Country.
Malam Jalal Arabi further stated that the Federal Ministry of Health had provided enough travel vaccines and yellow cards which were appropriately distributed to all the thirty-six states, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Armed Forces Hajj Management Team for administration on their intending pilgrims.
The Chairman stated that the other drugs which included antibiotics, anti-malarial, vitamins, anti-diarrheal, pain relievers and others, would be ferried to the holy land in the next two to three days after all diplomatic and other internal sundry protocols have been concluded.
Speaking on the airlift of the pilgrims since the inaugural flight, Malam Jalal Arabi expressed happiness that so far the exercise was going on smoothly and hitch free, saying barring all unforseen hiccups, the airlift would be completed before the tenth of next month.
He advised Nigerian pilgrims to be extremely patient with their officials and amongst themselves, as Hajj exercises are almost always associated with one, or two unpleasantries which require extra patience, tolerance and accommodation.
Malam Jalal Arabi who called on the pilgrims to make good use of this golden opportunity to draw closer to their Creator, also admonished them to eat healthy, observe good hygiene, drink a lot of water, as the Saudi weather promises to be harsh.
He also advised the pilgrims to avoid loitering to guard against sun and heat strokes, advising that they make good use of the umbrellas and rechargeable hand fans the Commission plans to distribute to them to ease up the heat whenever they ventured out of their residences.
