Some Muslims in the Upper East Region who are preparing to embark on a journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj were sensitized on what they need to know before, during, and after the pilgrimage. The prospective pilgrims were also entreated to manage and maintain their health conditions during the period. The Medical Director for the Ghana Hajj Board, Dr. Zakaria Seidu said all the prospective pilgrims were screened and those identified with various health conditions are advised to have regular check-ups ahead of the journey. He was speaking to the media here in Bolgatanga.
“Some of them we have identified having hypertension or diabetes as we go through the screening today. We were able to get them first aid right here and later refer them to nearby health facilities. We also pick their contacts and give them introductory letters to their nearby health facilities”, he added.
The 2023 Hajj is scheduled for Monday, June 26, 2023, to Saturday, July 1, 2023. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam that is mandatory for Muslims who are financially and physically sound to undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Abdul-Aziz Haroun Faran, Secretary to the Dawaa committee under the Ghana Hajj Board said the orientation was important for the prospective pilgrims, especially for the ‘first timers’. He said the Dawah is an important ritual that the pilgrims must know ahead of the journey.
Hajia Azara Haroun, a member of the Hajj Board said a lot of innovations have been introduced by the board led by Alhaji Farouk Hamza, the Executive Secretary.
According to her, women constitute the majority of pilgrims and for that matter, they were admonished to properly manage their health conditions and menstrual hygiene practices.
“Women are classified into various stages from birth to old age and some people actually carry younger children to Hajj. So, we have been able to advise them as to how to manage their children, how to manage their health, and how to manage their lifestyle to enable them to perform the Hajj properly. For women who are in their menstrual circle, the medical team has given a lot of education on that but the good news is that there is nothing wrong with being in a menstrual circle while performing Hajj,” she indicated.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
