(ABUJA)
The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB)  on Thursday said it would conduct medical screening on intending Pilgrims in the territory for this year’s Hajj.
This is contained in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Muhammad Lawal, in Abuja.
According to the statement, intending pilgrims will be screened at the permanent Hajj camp, Bassan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.
It said the exercise was in line with directives given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to screen intending pilgrims and ascertain their medical record before the journey. “The intending pilgrims from Abaji and Kwali Area councils are scheduled for the exercise on August 2, while those from Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area councils will be screened on August 3.”
The statement also said that intending pilgrims from Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils would be screened on August 4, while those registered at the headquarters would be screened on August 5
The statement also directed intending pilgrims to report to the venue with evidence of payment from 8:00 a.m. on the stipulated dates for the screening.
The commission warned intending pilgrims to participate in the exercise as failure to do so would attract strict penalty.
The exercise, the statement also said. would enable the board have a comprehensive medical record and health status of intending pilgrims.
“Intending pilgrims within the vulnerable age bracket, especially the aged and minors, may be advised to suspend trip to Saudi Arabia this year because of the outbreak Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
“Pregnant women would not be encouraged to perform the exercise in accordance with Saudi regulations.
NAHCON had allocated 2,497 seats to the territory for this year’s Hajj.
(NAN)

2014 Hajj: Board to conduct medical screening on intending pilgrims in FCT