The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has commenced the mandatory medical screening exercise for prospective pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj, with the latest screening phase beginning in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
A statement issued by the PAOG Communications Directorate said the screening exercise started at the Quality Medical Centre in Bawku on Tuesday, October 20, and will continue until Friday, October 23, at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital.
According to the statement, the exercise is being conducted in line with the medical requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Health and forms part of preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Pilgrims Affairs Office urged accredited Hajj agents, prospective pilgrims and other stakeholders in Hajj operations, particularly those in Bawku and surrounding communities, to cooperate fully to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Chairman of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to accredited Hajj agents, medical professionals and prospective pilgrims for their cooperation and support throughout the ongoing nationwide screening programme.
PAOG indicated that the screening exercise commenced in Tamale on October 3, continued in Kumasi on October 10 and moved to Accra on October 15 before arriving in Bawku.
The Office further reminded prospective pilgrims of the importance of providing accurate and complete information regarding their medical history, existing health conditions, medications and treatments.
According to PAOG, such information is essential to enable medical teams to conduct accurate assessments, identify potential health risks and recommend appropriate interventions to protect the health and wellbeing of pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
The statement assured prospective pilgrims that all medical information provided during the exercise would be treated with strict confidentiality and handled in accordance with applicable requirements for the protection of personal health information.
PAOG also announced that pilgrims who do not meet the medical requirements during the initial screening may be given an opportunity for re-evaluation, where clinically appropriate, after undergoing further medical assessment and treatment.
It explained that eligibility for re-evaluation would depend on the nature and severity of the medical condition, the outcome of subsequent assessments and compliance with the applicable Hajj medical requirements.
The Office noted that final medical clearance for participation in the 2027 Hajj would be determined by the authorised medical team following the completion of all necessary assessments.
The nationwide screening exercise forms a key component of preparations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage and is intended to ensure that all Ghanaian pilgrims meet the health requirements set by Saudi authorities before travelling.