Jigawa Begins Medical Screening for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims

By Zainab Bakare

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

The screening exercise, which began on Tuesday at Hadejia General Hospital, is part of the board’s early preparations for the annual pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.

Speaking during the inauguration of the exercise, the Director General of the board, Umar Labbo, described the medical screening as a critical step in ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims from the state.

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

He explained that the board is committed to complying fully with Saudi Arabian regulations, which require that only medically fit individuals are allowed to perform Hajj.

“We are committed to ensuring that only medically fit pilgrims are permitted to perform Hajj,” the Director General emphasised.

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

According to the Director General, the exercise is designed to confirm that pilgrims are physically capable of undertaking the rigorous religious journey.

“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.

He further assured that the board is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations and urged intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with medical personnel during the screening.

Meanwhile, some intending pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the process. Aisha Mohammed, a first-time pilgrim from Jigawa, described the screening as smooth and reassuring.

“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, said he was hopeful after undergoing the screening.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. The medical screening was thorough, and I appreciate the efforts of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Insha’Allah, everything will go well,” he said.