Hajj 2024: NAHCON to Review Medical Guidelines
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has plans to restructure the operation of National Medical Team with a view to achieving efficient and effective health care management during the forthcoming Hajj operations.
The agency also aims at achieving a cost- reduction through a reduced number of personnel, as it mulls appointment of more volunteers. Details are contained in the report submitted, on Thursday, by the Committee on the Review of National Medical Team (NMT) guidelines to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, at the boardroom of the Hajj House.
According to the Deputy Director, Information and Publications, NAHCON, Mousa Ubandawaki said: ’’The re-structuring of the operation of the NMT is expected to ensure accessibility, healthy operation that will help to achieve cost-reduction, and the number of personnel in the face of the nation’s current economic reality.”
One of the proposals of the committee is the institution of the concept of “volunteerism” in the appointment of medical personnel into the NMT that will entail the procurement of travel visa, provision of accommodation, transportation and payment of stipends to applicants who have been appointed into the National Medical Team.
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Arabi expressed appreciation to the committee members and assured that the reports would be diligently studied with a view to bringing out a robust working book.
“I want to thank you profoundly for your sacrifice and to assure you that we will work on the report dispassionately.
“We shall study the provisions of the reports and the recommendations therein, I congratulate and appreciate your commitment and diligence and I want to assure you that whatever we bring out will satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians, the intending Pilgrims and those who wish to perform the pilgrimage in the future,” he said.
According to him, NAHCON would continue to provide oversight and work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that pilgrims’ health care services are given utmost priority.
“I can assure you that we will expedite action to ensure the full implementation of the provisions in the guidelines, including some of those that were partially done in the past,” he said.
Presenting the report, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, who headed the 18 member committee disclosed that the report would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Medical Team during the 2024 Hajj, stressing that the report would offer the commission a roadmap to financing as well as the provision of health services to intending pilgrims while in Nigeria and in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I am confident that the implementation of the report will yield positive and desired results within the shortest possible time,” he stated.
