National Tymes News Desk
THE Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has explained why medical screening is a mandatory requirement for all prospective pilgrims seeking to perform the 2027 Hajj.
According to the Office, the screening is required by Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure that pilgrims are physically and mentally fit to undertake the demanding Hajj rituals.
In a statement issued by its Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, on behalf of the Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, PAOG said the medical assessment was intended to protect pilgrims’ health and safety throughout the pilgrimage.
The statement explained that health checks in the past focused mainly on vaccinations, including those for meningitis and yellow fever. However, concerns about heat-related illnesses, chronic diseases and the increasing number of elderly pilgrims have made more comprehensive medical assessments necessary.
It added that Saudi Arabia introduced a universal medical fitness certification requirement for the 2026 Hajj season, making the certificate a condition for obtaining a Hajj visa.
According to PAOG, medical fitness certificates are checked in pilgrims’ home countries and may be verified again upon arrival at Saudi entry points.
The Office has therefore urged all prospective Ghanaian pilgrims to take the medical screening seriously and comply with the requirements to avoid problems with their Hajj preparations.
It also encouraged the public to share the information to help ensure that prospective pilgrims understand the importance of the exercise.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
