The Saudi Arabia authority on Tuesday confirmed the birth of the first newborn of Hajj 2024 delivered by a Nigerian pilgrim in Makkah.
Makkah Health Cluster, a dedicated Padaetric facility reported that the pilgrim, who was in her 31st week of pregnancy, was admitted to the hospital’s emergency department after experiencing labor pains.
“Emergency doctors immediately attended to her and transferred her to the maternity ward, where she had a natural delivery. Both mother and baby are in good health, though the newborn, being premature, is receiving special care”, the report indicated.
According to statement reported by Saudi Gazette, “the Maternity and Children’s Hospital is fully operational, offering top-tier services to Hajj pilgrims, especially in handling emergency cases.
“The hospital is renowned for its high standards in maternal, neonatal, and pediatric care, and it regularly handles several childbirth cases during the Hajj season, providing them with the utmost attention and care.
“The Nigerian pilgrim expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff for their exceptional care and support for her and her baby”.
Meanwhile, the Saudi authority may launch investigation into her travelling process, essentially to detail how the Nigerian pilgrim was granted permission to travel with pregnancy, which is already prohibited.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), prior to airlift operation, issued strict warning to states pilgrims’ board and private operators against transporting pregnant pilgrims for hajj.
In a recent chat with local radio station, NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Ahmad Arabi, emphasised the prohibition of traveling with pregnancy to hajj for whatever reason, nothing the health complications such action could trigger.
Arabi was particular on the strenuous physical activities of hajj coupled with the high temperature capable of degenerating unwanted situation for inborn baby and mother.
Besides, the NAHCON boss cautioned those responsible for pilgrims’ medical check to ensure proper verification to avoid being sanctioned by Saudi Arabia government for violating the rules.
“We will not allow any woman with pregnancy, no matter how small it is to travel. This law has been there for a long time. Even though some pilgrims breached it in the past, this time around, we will make sure pregnant women never travel. The Saudi authorities have also warned us against allowing pregnant women to travel. In fact, they threatened to fine us if we go against the law”, Arabi said during his last interview.
Although, the expectant mother, whose identify is still scanty as at the time of filing the story, might have bypassed necessary medical tests and sneaked into Saudi Arabia with pregnancy. she will therefore be sanctioned for negligence.
Nigeria recorded about 75 pregnant women in 2023 who traveled to Saudi Arabia, having bypassed the statutory recommendations, and ended with medical complications occasioned by weather intensity.
