* Offers consultations to 27,231 pilgrims
* We’re pleased our late mother was buried in holy land: Deceased’s family
No fewer than 41 of about 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON called for early comprehensive medical screening of all intending pilgrims as part of measures to reduce the casualty rate in future exercises.
The figure however represents 1.07% of the total casualty rate of 1301 deaths recorded during the annual spiritual journey to the holy land.
Muslim News gathered that the Medical team also offered consultations to a total of 27,231 Nigerian pilgrims with recorded cases of one pregnancy and three deliveries.
Dr Saidu Ahmed, Board Member of NAHCON representing Federal Ministry of Health, stated that the majority of those who lost their lives are senior citizens within the age bracket of 55-60.
He said, “That’s the death expectancy in Nigeria at present. Many of them already had core morbidity issues, like chronic diabetes and hypertension, among others. They are also susceptible to force and heatstroke because their body systems are already weak at that age. They can no longer bear what a younger person can withstand.”
The NAHCON Board Member emphasised the need for comprehensive medical screening, noting that existing health challenges of pilgrims should be placed on record.
“So, to reduce mortality, one needs a strategy that will work for the aged, and there are individual differences. Some people are hale, hearty, and strong at 80/90, while some are already very frail at 55. In essence, comprehensive medical screening of all pilgrims is essential. Their age, health challenges, and core mobility should be on record and duly considered.
“Those who are susceptible to possible risk factors should be identified. By so doing, possible casualties can be estimated and prevented. Intending pregnant Muslim women should be screened out, while those that are liable to falls or fractures are reconsidered.”
He said early implementation of this strategy will reduce the mortality rate during hajj, adding that pilgrims should be educated on how to manage risks.
“The strategy I am trying to introduce is workable. It should have been introduced last year. It wasn’t due to circumstances. It will put preventive measures in place. So, we’ll educate, monitor, and counsel pilgrims, as may be required.
“If we adopt this approach early, I’m very optimistic that we would have addressed the issues before the next Hajj. We just have to start early enough. We also need to educate the masses and train them on how to manage risks. With that, solving the problem becomes easier.
“In a nutshell, it’s possible to reduce mortality if you plan very early and all hands are on deck. It will portray professionalism, thorough planning and will be strictly adhered to. Having done all these, we’ll be able to make adequate preparations for people with peculiarities. As such, we’ll be controlling mortality and improving quality health care.”
Speaking of the heatwave incidence, he said Saudi Arabia does not have direct control over the climate but should make adequate preparations for the huge population coming to undertake hajj.
“When things like the heat stroke happen, you should always look at it from two perspectives. Anyone should know that Saudi Arabia does not have any control over the climate. They can project and forecast, but it’s Allah alone who controls climate.
__________
0.07% pilgrims die worldwide during Hajj 2024 as Saudi releases casualties figure
* Health system provided more than 465,000 specialised treatments
Read more HERE
__________
“Moreover, that place was greatly populated. People had to trek long distances. Saudi Arabia should put measures in place and prepare adequately. For instance, they should put erective stations right from Mina up to the Jamarat down to Makkah. At least, every 5 km, there should be a water station. Although there are some places in Jamrat where they have a water station but from Arafat to Mina, there is nowhere to drink water.
“The Saudi government needs to improve by increasing the number of places and spots pilgrims can drink water, because the more they drink water, the better they are. Pilgrims too should be equipped, especially with umbrellas when trekking the distance. They should also have their water bottle to quench their thirst.
Alhamdullahi Our Mother Was Buried In holy land: Victim’s family
Speaking on behalf of a Nigerian family who lost a member at the 2024 hajj, Dr. Mariam Oshodi said although it’s not easy to lose loved ones, she said the family was pleased their matriarch, Alhaja Muinat Olabisi Adediran nee Eniafe, died and was buried in the holy land of Makkah.
Alhaja Adediran passed away during the last hajj (2024), after concluding the Arafat rite.
“Alhamdulillah, my mum had completed her hajj rites before she passed on; it was after the day of Arafat. We still spoke in the morning, some few hours before she passed,” Dr. Oshodi told Muslim News Nigeria in an exclusive interview.
Dr. Oshodi, a medical practitioner, explained that her mother did not die as a result of the heatwave that killed so many pilgrims in the holy land during the Hajj pilgrimage.
“In fact, she was very fine. Even after Arafat, she was extremely happy when we spoke. She said AlhamduliLlah, we have completed Arafat. She prayed for me and the family.
“When they took her to the primary health center, we were still following up. At a point, she was even saying that she was doing well, and there was nothing to worry about. She was fine and in the next couple of minutes, everything just changed and she passed! The bottom line is, if she hadn’t gone for hajj, she would have still died at the appointed time. But AlhamduliLlah, Allah made it happen after she had completed her hajj,” she said.
The late Alhaja Adediran was among the contingent that followed leading private tour operator Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited (HMVL) to the 2024 Hajj.
It was the second time she would be performing hajj with the hajj and umrah agency due to their excellent service delivery, according to Dr. Oshodi.
Muslim News understands that the family is also pleased with Hajj Mabrur handling of the burial rites of their matriarch.
“Why would anyone want to bring the corpse of their loved one home, after dying in the holy land? As Muslims, it’s part of our teaching and belief. It is something a lot of people wished for. We are pleased with the fact that she died and was buried in the holy land. While mourning her passing, a lot of people still rejoiced with us simply because she died and was buried in the holy land,” Dr. Oshodi added.
“The way Hajj Mabrur handled her corpse was impressive. I wouldn’t have done half of what they did if I was there.”
Dr. Oshodi praised Hajj Mabrur for their quality services and welfare packages, noting that their impressive coordination of hajj operations informed their mother’s choice for the second time.
She also acknowledged the improvement in NAHCON’s coordination of the 2024 hajj operations based on the late matriarch’s testimony.
“Basically, I think, the issue of welfare has to do with the choice of travel agent. she was obliged to go with the agency for the second time.
“Last year, when I performed my hajj, accommodation was a big issue. It wasn’t comfortable for pilgrims to the extent that some Nigerians (males and females) had to sleep under the same tent although with demarcation. Coincidentally, this year was better and my mum also confirmed it. The welfare service has really improved, perhaps because she went with a leading private operator in Nigeria, Hajj Mabrur with an excellent package.
“I want to urge NAHCON to work more closely with states and private operators. It should give them a soft landing to operate. NAHCON needs to be more committed to the pilgrims irrespective of whether they are from states or tour operators.”
Sponsored
