Six fatalities from cardiac arrest have been recorded from the 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims performing this year’s hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The head of the Nigerian medical team for the pilgrimage, Dr Usman Galadima stated this in Makkah on Saturday night during a pre-Arafat meeting with stakeholders adding that 15,860 pilgrims have received treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, peptic ulcer, common cold, hypertension, and malaria.
Galadima, in his presentation tagged, “Vital Events as of 24/6/2023,” said those who suffered cardiac arrest among the pilgrims included two from Osun State, and one each from Kaduna and Plateau.
Galadima explained that a diabetic pilgrim had his leg amputated, adding that thousands of people have received treatment for various ailments, however, more than 100 other pilgrims have been referred to hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
He said his team recorded two miscarriages, one delivery, and seven pregnancies among the pilgrims; 30 other Nigerian pilgrims diagnosed as having mental health challenges had been referred to Saudi hospitals and would perform hajj as they “are now in a stable condition.”
He recommended strengthening the pre-hajj medical screening of intending pilgrims and restricting the travelling of all pilgrims identified as unfit to travel, especially elderly ones and those with chronic ailments.
Earlier, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, said all the 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims had been airlifted for the exercise.
“I want to appreciate the support and guidance of President Bola (Ahmed) Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support in many ways. Our being here today is made possible by their support and guidance on the leadership of NAHCON,” he said.