“Private Hospitals Not Permitted to Conduct Hajj Medical Certification – NAHCON Warns
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned that private hospitals are not authorized to carry out Hajj medical certification for intending pilgrims.
Dr. Said Dumbulwa, Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health at NAHCON, made the declaration during a stakeholders’ briefing at Hajj House, Abuja.
The announcement accompanies strengthened health protocols designed to ensure all pilgrims meet strict medical standards before departure.
According to him, key measures introduced include conducting medical screenings exclusively at government-recognized hospitals, mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers on medical certificates, and digital uploads for verification by the Commission.
Additionally, pilgrims must strictly comply with identified disqualifying medical conditions to guarantee fitness for travel.
Dr. Dumbulwa stressed that the prohibition on private hospitals is aimed at preventing fraudulent certification and ensuring uniformity in medical verification across all states.
To further enhance efficiency, NAHCON plans to establish a dedicated coordination platform to centralize the collection, verification, and management of medical certificates nationwide.
The platform is expected to streamline processes and align with Saudi Arabia’s stringent health protocols for Hajj pilgrims.
The Commission urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and other stakeholders to adhere fully to the updated regulations, emphasizing that compliance is critical to avoid delays in visa issuance and travel arrangements for the 2026 Hajj.
These reinforced measures reflect NAHCON’s commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
By enforcing standardized medical verification, the Commission aims to uphold the integrity of the Hajj process and safeguard public health.
