The medical team of the Lagos State Government, presently in Saudi Arabia to cater for the health needs of Lagos pilgrims, has warned them to avoid moving around in the sun, saying it is dangerous to their health because it can affect the blood system, dry out water in the body fast, cause headache, pains, weakness and dehydration.

Dr. Abdul Majeeb Muhammed-Isa, leader of the team, gave the warning while answering questions from the pilgrims on how to live a healthy life while in the kingdom, adding that they should also carefully plan their movement during the day, especially while going to the mosque, buy things from the stores or visit friends and families.

He said his team is expected to provide an on the spot medical service, health talk and enlightenment programme to the Lagos pilgrims, stressing that, “It is imperative for pilgrims to carry out their activities in the morning or in the night because the hot weather in Saudi Arabia is hazardous to people's health.”

The Doctor noted that though he is not discouraging pilgrims from going for prayer at Haram but only advising that they go for Subhi, Maghrib and Ishai at the mosque while Zuhri and Ashri prayers should be observed at home.

Dr. Mohammed-Isa implored the pilgrims to eat enough fruits and drink plenty of water to boost their immune system as well as to help them stay healthy at all times.

He said that the State Government is working round the clock to solve the problems of those who are unable to bring their prescribed drugs to Saudi Arabia due to one reason or the other, pointing out that the administration had provided necessary drugs to cater for their health needs.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef has assured families of pilgrims, who are in Saudi Arabia, that their relatives are in safe hands.

He stressed that the new policies of Saudi Arabia on security measures, which mandated the registration of SIM card before usage, had prevented pilgrims from communicating with their loved ones and appealed to the families of pilgrims to be patient as this problem will soon be over.

The Commissioner also disclosed that State pilgrims will soon move from Medinah to Mecca after they have completed the necessary prayers and visitation to Masjid Haram, Jabali Uhud, Mosjid Kiblatyn, Sabuha Mosjid and Mosjid Kuba as well as other historical sites of prophet Mohammed (SAW) which is part of Umurah rites.

•Photo shows Nigerian pilgrims departing for the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

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