Dhaka: The Saudi Arabian government has announced a new policy that prohibits Hajj pilgrims suffering from chronic diseases and serious health issues from performing the ritual. Countries sending pilgrims are required to check the health history of every intending pilgrim, according to an official statement from Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Religious Affairs Ministry stated that all pilgrims must provide a certificate confirming they are free from health risks and eligible to perform Hajj. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry sent a letter to all countries that send pilgrims, outlining specific health conditions that would debar individuals from participating in the Hajj.
The letter specifies that individuals with non-functioning main organs, such as those requiring kidney dialysis, suffering from severe heart disease, lung disease needing constant oxygen, or severe liver cirrhosis, will not be permitted to perform Hajj. Additionally, those with serious neurological or mental diseases, dementia, elderly individuals, and women in advanced stages or high-risk pregnancies will also be restricted from the pilgrimage.
Other conditions mentioned include infectious diseases like tuberculosis, viral hemorrhagic fever, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or intensive immunotherapy treatment. The Saudi Ministry has requested that the relevant countries ensure a comprehensive health check-up for every pilgrim.
Saudi Arabia has also asked pilgrim-sending organizations to issue a mandatory health certificate via the Nusuk Masar platform, certifying that pilgrims are free from health risks. The letter emphasizes the need for full cooperation in monitoring at arrival and departure points, with teams verifying the authenticity and accuracy of health certificates issued through the platform.
In response, Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Ministry has requested people to refrain from registering those suffering from chronic or other specified diseases. The ministry underscored the importance of physical fitness for performing Hajj and affirmed that Bangladesh will strictly adhere to Saudi instructions regarding pilgrims' health. The statement also noted that two Bangladeshi doctors attended a workshop in Saudi Arabia to gain a detailed understanding of the issue.