Free medical screening for Lagos Hajj pilgrims as Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat step in
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, have sponsored the compulsory medical screening for the state’s intending pilgrims embarking on the holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the flag-off of the medical exercise at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajarah, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, stated that Lagos State places a premium on the wellbeing of its pilgrims. He emphasized that the decision to sponsor the screening was aimed at easing the financial burden on pilgrims, who have already paid the substantial Hajj fare of N8,784,085.59, despite the current harsh economic conditions in the country.
He said, “Mr. Governor and his deputy are deeply concerned about the economic hardship in the country and decided to foot the bill for the screening, which cost N50,000.00 last year. Ten designated screening sites and health facilities have been created across the state, reflecting the importance the present administration attaches to the exercise.”
He explained that the results, which would be released after blood and urine samples are collected, would reveal the pilgrims’ true health status and help determine how best to manage them during their stay in the Holy Land.
The medical screening includes tests such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis (TB), urinalysis, pregnancy tests for women, Full Blood Count (FBC), and Electrolyte, Urea, and Creatinine (E, U + Cr) to assess kidney function.
The coordinator of the medical screening exercise, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, noted that new tests such as TB and E, U + Cr were added to provide pilgrims with comprehensive knowledge of their health status and to ensure they are medically sound before embarking on the spiritual journey, in line with the governor’s directive.
On his part, the Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, urged all intending pilgrims to take full advantage of the free medical screening. He described the initiative by the governor and his deputy as unprecedented.
No fewer than 1,400 intending pilgrims from Lagos State are expected to perform the 2025 Hajj rites.
