Sokoto state government may introduce family planning packages to the female intending pilgrims because of the suffering pregnant women go through during Hajj exercise.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this at the inauguration of the newly elected officials  of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Sokoto state branch.
 
Tambuwal who was represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale said this was  to allow women perform the religious rites while in the holy Land without any hitch.
 
"You will see pregnant women bleeding during the circumbulation exercise and while performing other religious rites and because of this they have to terminate their hajj half way ," he stated.
 
He added that the measure would also save women from the embarrassment of being disqualified during screening exercise.
 
He however said the ministry of Health in collaboration with the Sultanate Council, Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Agency were  consulting  with Islamic scholars on  the workability of the programme especially as people have started paying for the annual religious exercise.
 
"The ulamas will look into our proposal and analyse it from religious perspective and advise us, " he added.
 
He urged the medical women association to give more emphasis to outreach programmes and enlightenment campaigns at the grassroots.
 
This, he noted, would   help in curtailing the health challenges facing the people especially women and children.
 
He reiterated call on parents to allow their children to be immunized against killer diseases.
 
In a goodwill message , the national president of MWAN, Professor Echendu Adinma said the association which has branches in 28 states with the membership strenght of 2000 focuses on health status of  women and children.

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