The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has granted approval to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to establish two primary clinics in Makkah exclusively for Nigerian pilgrims.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabia, announced this development in a statement released by the commission’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.
Arabi stated that the approval letter was delivered to Dr. Abubakar Isma’eel, who serves as NAHCON’s Head of Medical Mission for the 2024 Hajj Season.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is happy to announce that it has received approval to operate two main clinics in Makkah in the meantime.
“The Saudi Ministry of Health revealed this development through its medical consultants attached to Ithra Alkhair Company, NAHCON’s chosen service providers, otherwise known as Mu’assasa.
“The two main clinics are those located at Masfala/Kudai and Shari’e Al-Mansour areas. They serve as the medical head offices,” he said.
Arabi also mentioned that they are still awaiting approval to begin operating three additional outpost clinics (Triage Outposts 1, 2, and 3).
“Dr A-Isma’eel expressed optimism that within the next 48–72 hours, the three outposts would also receive full approval to operate optimally.
“The proposed outposts are located at Nasarawa, Ogun/Oyo, and Borno pilgrim houses in Makkah, respectively,” the chairman explained.
He noted that once approval is granted, the GPS coordinates of the outpost locations will be promptly provided to Nigerian pilgrims.
“It should be noted that the outposts are strategically situated within pilgrims’ hotel clusters to aid accessibility,” he noted.
He said that NAHCON had already deployed its team of professional medics “who are set to provide healthcare services to Nigerian pilgrims.”
The chairman appealed to Nigerian pilgrims for their cooperation with the implemented measures to ensure their success.
