‘There’re pregnant women among pilgrims airlifted to Saudi’ — NAHCON raises alarm

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has discovered pregnant women among the pilgrims airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the hajj exercise.

NAN reports that Usman Galadima, head of the Nigerian medical team for the 2023 hajj, spoke on Wednesday during an interview with the national media team in Makkah.

Galadima said the women sneaked into Makkah with pregnancy, adding that the commission had helped some of them to deliver their babies.

He said some of the pregnant pilgrims were referred to a women’s hospital for treatment.

The head of the medical team said pregnant women are not permitted to undertake pilgrimage as they will be exposed to dangers and stress during the exercise.

He said some of the pilgrims with underlining sickness also embarked on the trip without authorised medication.

Galadima said the Saudi officials usually allow drugs with prescriptions that are placed in their original packs, adding that the commission understands such medicines are usually seized in Nigeria.

He said the medicine seizure is a result of lack of enlightenment, adding that some of the pilgrims are now recording sugar and blood pressure problems, while others are being referred to the hospitals.