Hajj: 54 Nigerian Pilgrims Hospitalised, Four Die in Saudi Arabia

No fewer than 54 Nigerian pilgrims have been hospitalised in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise, while four deaths have been confirmed, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said.

The Head of the National Medical Team disclosed this during a briefing in Makkah on the health and welfare situation of Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s pilgrimage.

According to him, the commission is currently operating five licensed medical facilities in Saudi Arabia to provide primary healthcare services for Nigerian pilgrims.

He explained that two of the clinics are located in Madinah, at Alsham’s Madinah Hotel and Buna Toiba in the Markazia area, while three others are based in Makkah at Misfalah, Sharasittin and Niger House in Yabalash.

NAHCON said medical operations commenced in Madinah on April 28 following approval and licensing by Saudi authorities.

The official noted that unlike previous Hajj operations where temporary outposts were established to handle minor ailments, current Saudi regulations only permit fully functional clinics, a development that has increased pressure on available facilities.

He added that more than 24 patients had been referred to Saudi hospitals in Madinah, while over 30 others were transferred from Makkah clinics for specialised treatment, particularly from the Misfalah centre which caters for pilgrims from about 19 states.

Serious cases are being moved to advanced medical facilities such as King Abdulaziz Hospital through Saudi emergency response systems.

The medical team confirmed that all four deaths recorded so far involved female pilgrims.

It said the fatalities were largely linked to heart-related complications, including suspected cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction, while one case involved complications from a strangulated hernia.

Officials attributed the deaths to a combination of underlying medical conditions, strenuous Hajj activities, dehydration and extreme weather conditions.

Pilgrims, according to the commission, have been repeatedly advised to limit exposure to harsh temperatures and maintain adequate hydration throughout the exercise.

NAHCON also disclosed that about 287 medical personnel, including roughly 80 doctors and specialists, have been deployed to cater for the health needs of Nigerian pilgrims.

At the Misfalah clinic in Makkah, Head of Facility, Dr. Fatima Saddiq, said the medical team was operating under increasing pressure due to the high turnout of patients.

She listed common ailments treated at the centre to include malaria, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, dehydration, catarrh, body pains and minor injuries such as bruises and cuts.

According to her, six doctors are assigned per shift daily to manage the growing number of cases being recorded among pilgrims.