By Soliu Oyesiji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has deployed about 287 medical personnel and established five licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia to cater for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Head of the National Medical Team disclosed this while briefing journalists in Makkah on the health condition and welfare of pilgrims.
He said the medical team comprises about 80 doctors and specialists providing healthcare services in two clinics located in Madinah and three in Makkah.
“NAHCON currently operates five licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia, including two in Madinah and three in Makkah, to provide primary healthcare services for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
According to him, the clinics in Madinah are situated at Alsham’s Madinah Hotel and Buna Toiba within the Markazia area, while those in Makkah are located in Misfalah, Sharasittin and Niger House at Yabalash.
The official disclosed that no fewer than 54 Nigerian pilgrims had so far been hospitalised, with more than 24 referrals recorded in Madinah and over 30 in Makkah.
“Unlike previous years where outposts were established for minor complaints and triage, Saudi regulations this year only permitted full clinic operations. This has increased pressure on the clinics due to the growing number of patients,” he said.
He explained that patients requiring emergency or specialised treatment were referred to Saudi hospitals, including King Abdulaziz Hospital, through emergency services.
The medical team also confirmed four deaths among Nigerian pilgrims, all women, attributing most of the fatalities to heart-related complications.
“Most of the deaths were linked to heart-related complications, including suspected cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction, while another pilgrim died from complications arising from a strangulated hernia,” he said.
He added that harsh weather conditions, stress associated with Hajj activities and underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the fatalities.
“We have repeatedly sensitised pilgrims on the need to avoid unnecessary movement under extreme temperatures and remain properly hydrated,” he added.
Also speaking, the Head of Clinic at Misfalah, Fatima Saddiq, described the workload at the facility as stressful due to the increasing turnout of patients.
“We treat cases of malaria, body pains, catarrh, dehydration, diabetes, asthma and hypertension daily, alongside injuries such as bruises and cuts,” Saddiq said.
She added that six doctors were deployed per shift daily to manage the growing number of health emergencies among pilgrims.
