The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) is seeking continued partnership with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in the provision of qualitative medical services to pilgrims before and during the annual Hajj exercise.
IMAN made the request when its National President, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba led selected executive members in a familiarization visit to NAHCON Hajj House, Abuja on Thursday, January 14.
The team was received by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan and his team of executive commissioners and directors.
IMAN is an Islamic, professional, independent, charitable and non-political body formed with the objective of integrating Nigerian Muslim healthcare professionals to render selfless services to humanity with the fear of Allah in mind.
During the visit, the umbrella body of Muslim health professionals rolled out some of its routine activities and major projects that have had positive impact on the Nigerian society.
In his presentation, Prof. Oreagba said IMAN had always partnered and collaborated with NAHCON in the past, noting that the Hajj commission had in 2016 invited the health association as a stakeholder to develop the harmonized guidelines for NAHCON medical team and its current mode of operation.
He added that apart from organising training sessions for the NAHCON medical team, IMAN had assisted in setting up four ambulances and delivering full emergency operations at strategic places in Muna, Arafat and Muzdalifa.
Oreagba told the NAHCON executives that IMAN is looking up to continued partnership with NAHCON under the new leadership of Alhaji Zikrullahi Hassan, noting it’s a worthy venture intending pilgrims and Nigerian Muslims would benefit from immensely.
According to the president, IMAN wishes to continue its partnership and collaboration with NAHCON in the following areas:
“1. Providing a professional and willing Muslim health resource to NAHCON in all their health-related programs (including health programs for the Hajj Institute and NAHCON Clinics).
“2. Providing health awareness programs to intending pilgrims before departure, while on transit and throughout their stay at the Holy Land based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“3. Development and supporting the adherence to COVID-19 protocols and other related health issues of public health importance for Hajj pilgrims.
“4. IMAN to be a prominent stakeholder in all health issues related to Hajj.
“5. Collaborating with NAHCON to design and implement health research that will impact on the quality of life of pilgrims.”
On his part, Alhaji Hassan recalled the impact of the activism of the founding president of IMAN, Professor Abdulfatai Mabadeje on him and his colleagues during their undergraduate days in the university.
The Hajj Commission boss equally commended the current executives who are at the helm of affairs, while promising to maintain and improve upon the existing collaboration between the two organisations in terms of health affairs of Nigerian pilgrims.
He also delegated an executive commissioner to hold a brief meeting with the team after the courtesy visit so as to see possible areas of collaboration.
Alhaji Hassan promised to carry IMAN as an important stakeholder along, especially in affairs relating to health of the pilgrims.
Weldon. Need to EXPLORE RELATIONSHIP with other GOVERNMENTAL & NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.
Good job,all the same.