The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced a mandatory medical screening exercise for all prospective pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
The exercise was initiated under the leadership of the board’s executive secretary, Sa’adu Hassan, who said the screening is aimed at ensuring that all intending pilgrims are medically fit before embarking on the physically demanding pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Hassan explained that medical screening is a compulsory requirement for securing Hajj visas for the 2026 exercise, warning that any intending pilgrim who fails to participate would not be cleared to travel, in line with directives from Saudi authorities. He urged pilgrims to cooperate fully with medical personnel to achieve the objectives of the programme.
Also speaking, the managing director of the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Sambo Dawa, underscored the importance of the exercise in safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims throughout the Hajj period.
Dawa said the screening would help determine the true health status of each pilgrim and guide appropriate medical management during their stay in the Kingdom.
