The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that no fewer than 54 Nigerian pilgrims have been hospitalised in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise, while four deaths have so far been recorded.

The Head of the National Medical Team disclosed this while briefing journalists on the welfare and health condition of Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah.

According to him, NAHCON currently operates five licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia, including two in Madinah and three in Makkah, to provide primary healthcare services for pilgrims.

The clinics in Madinah are located at Alsham’s Madinah Hotel and Buna Toiba within the Markazia area, while the Makkah facilities are situated in Misfalah, Sharasittin and Niger House at Yabalash.

He explained that the commission began operations in Madinah shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia on April 28, following approval and licensing by Saudi authorities.

He noted that unlike previous years where outposts were established to handle minor health complaints and triage, Saudi regulations this year only permitted full clinic operations.

According to him, the absence of outposts has increased pressure on the clinics due to the growing number of patients seeking treatment.

The medical team disclosed that over 24 patients had already been referred to Saudi hospitals in Madinah, while more than 30 referrals were made from Makkah, particularly from the Misfalah clinic serving pilgrims from about 19 states.

The team said patients requiring emergency or specialised treatment are referred to facilities such as King Abdulaziz Hospital through Saudi emergency services.

The official revealed that four deaths had so far been recorded among Nigerian pilgrims, all of them women.

He explained that most of the deaths were linked to heart-related complications, including suspected cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction, while another pilgrim died from complications arising from a strangulated hernia.

According to him, stress associated with Hajj activities, harsh weather conditions and underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the fatalities.

He added that pilgrims had been repeatedly sensitised on the need to avoid unnecessary movement under extreme temperatures and remain properly hydrated.

The commission disclosed that it currently has about 287 medical personnel on ground, including approximately 80 doctors and specialists in different fields.

Also speaking, the Head of Clinic at Misfalah, Fatima Saddiq, described the workload at the facility as stressful due to the increasing turnout of patients.

She said common cases being treated include malaria, body pains, catarrh, dehydration, diabetes, asthma and hypertension, alongside injuries such as bruises and cuts.

According to her, six doctors are deployed per shift daily to manage the growing number of health emergencies among pilgrims. (Daily Trust)