Scores of Nigerian pilgrims who thronged the Daru Fahad hotel, meant for officials and Ulamas of National Hajj Commission seeking medical attention were disappointed, as they were told to locate Saudi Arabian hospitals and clinics nearer to them for treatments
The Saudi Arabian authorities have not granted approval to any Hajj participating country, including Nigeria, the permission to start running clinics in Makkah.
The practice hitherto, was that the Saudi Authorities give approval for running of the Missions’ clinics before the arrival of pilgrims after fulfilling the required conditions.
This year, however, the new policy direction changed, requiring approval to be given after the arrival of pilgrims and officials of participating countries only after the arrival of pilgrims and inspection of their clinics usually within the precincts of their hotels.
Some of the disenchanted and ailing pilgrims who spoke to Vanguard feared that the situation could affect the overall well being of the pilgrims ahead of the main Hajj rites, begging the Saudi authorities to consider the health of pilgrims above all other considerations and give approval as quickly as possible.
A frail looking pilgrim, from the FCT who came into the Daru Fahad hotel assisted by two other pilgrims seeking medical treatment said: we are utterly disappointed, we had thought we would get treatment here, but we were told clinical service has not started, referring us to where we don’t know. We are pilgrims here and don’t know anywhere other than our Mission and state officials. I am in pain, I don’t even know what is wrong with me.