2026 Hajj: Jigawa Begins Medical Screening For Intending Pilgrims

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced medical screening for intending pilgrims as part of intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The screening, which began on Tuesday, January 27, at the Hadejia General Hospital, is aimed at ensuring that pilgrims from the state are medically fit to undertake the spiritual journey, in line with Saudi Arabian health regulations.

Speaking during the inauguration of the exercise, the Director-General of the board, Umar Labbo, described the medical screening as a critical component of the Hajj preparation process.

“The medical screening is part of our ground preparation to ensure the health and safety of all pilgrims,” Labbo said.

According to him, the board is determined to comply strictly with Saudi Arabian guidelines, which require that only pilgrims certified as medically fit are allowed to participate in the annual pilgrimage.

“We are committed to ensuring that only medically fit pilgrims are allowed to perform Hajj,” he emphasised.

The Director-General, who was accompanied by the Director of Operations, Muhammad Garba, reiterated the board’s commitment to transparency and fairness throughout the screening process.

“Only medically fit pilgrims will be permitted to perform Hajj,” Labbo reiterated, adding that all procedures would be followed without compromise.

He noted that the medical screening exercise was designed to ascertain that pilgrims are physically capable of withstanding the rigours of the pilgrimage.

“The medical screening is a critical component of the Hajj preparation process, aimed at ensuring that pilgrims are healthy enough to undertake the pilgrimage,” he added.

Labbo further stated that the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that intending pilgrims were adequately prepared for the journey.

He therefore urged all pilgrims to cooperate fully with medical personnel to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

Some intending pilgrims who participated in the screening expressed satisfaction with the process.

A first-time pilgrim from Jigawa, Aisha Mohammed, told The PUNCH that she felt relieved after undergoing the medical examination.

“I’m feeling great, alhamdulillah! The process was smooth, and the medical team was very professional. I’m looking forward to performing Hajj and praying for my family’s well-being,” she said.

Another intending pilgrim, Abdullahi Yusuf, who has been waiting for years for the opportunity to perform Hajj, admitted he was anxious about the outcome of the screening.

“I hope everything goes well, insha’Allah. I’ve been preparing for this moment for so long. The medical screening was thorough, and I appreciate the efforts of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Fingers crossed for a successful outcome,” he said.