THE Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) is seeking partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on administering proper healthcare on pilgrims at the holy sites.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Reverend Tor Uja while receiving a delegation from NMA said it was pertinent for pilgrims to return home after a pilgrimage in good health.
He said though in the past 3 years, no mortality has been recorded, it is important to put necessary health measures in place to avoid such an incident.
According to him “NCPC will partner with NMA, I think we will invite you to a technical meeting where we will discuss and workout areas where we can partner in promoting the health and wellbeing of pilgrims home and abroad.
“It will be correct to enable us to proffer issues that take people healthy o pilgrimage and bring them back healthier than they went.
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“In the past years I assumed this position, about 3 years ago, we have recorded zero cases of mortality on any pilgrimage, everybody that goes there comes back and some come back even better.
He urged intending pilgrims to always disclose their health status to ensure proper medical attention while observing pilgrimage.
In his speech, the President of NMA Dr Francis Faduyile requested for “the need for the Association to involve in the selection of the health team so as to ensure that only Medical Practitioners who are in good standing are allowed to be part of the medical team.
“Need to curb quackery as the Association has embarked on massive reorganisation processes by ensuring the use of the doctor’s stamp in all Medico-Legal documents.
“The involvement of the Association will ensure that the basic amenities needed for effective healthcare delivery for our citizens before, during and after the pilgrim exercise as well in place.”
Meanwhile, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo sued for a more robust engagement with the NCPC to educate Nigerians on the importance of pilgrimage.
Isiguzo who led a team of NUJ members told the NCPC Executive Secretary that the Union would avail itself for partnership.
In his response, Reverend Uja promised that any agreement reached with the NUJ will be implemented to fullest.
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