Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has commenced inoculation and medical screening for the 2019 hajj, at the Board’s headquarter, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the flag off of the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji Kalejaiye, said it was designed to ascertain the health status of participants and ensure their fitness for the upcoming hajj, saying it was also needed to ensure the safety of Pilgrims and arrest in due time, any ailment discovered in their health.
“The inoculation and medical
screening is originally meant to determine the health status of our Pilgrims
and see to it that they are inoculated, thereby boosting their immunity for the
upcoming hajj”, he said.
A member of the Medical team, Alhaji (Dr.) kushimo Muhammad Robiu, maintained
that the exercise was of Paramount importance, given the stress the
Pilgrims undergo during hajj, saying it is therefore necessary, that
proper medical screening be done to know pilgrims’ health status.
According to him, “hajj involves physical exercise that increase your
stress level outside of your normal environment, for this reason, the medical
team pay attention to Pilgrims chest, blood sugar level, past illness
among others, in order to advice Pilgrims on what drugs to take to hajj and of
course guide the medical team on what to prepare ahead for Pilgrims’’.
Kushimo added that Pilgrims have been cooperative and no adverse drug
reaction recorded so far, noting that, the 3-day exercise continues till
Thursday, June 20, 2019 and that intending Pilgrims, who are yet to appear are
to do so before the time elapses.
In their remarks, participants; Abdulfatai Adetunji, Alhaja Akindele
Aishat and Mrs. Khadijat Jimoh, appreciated the government for the programme
saying, it has availed them the opportunity to know their health status, in
preparation for the pilgrimage.