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Wokocha told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that such check up had become necessary to reduce medical insurance costs and unnecessary expenditure for pilgrims.

“The essence of the check up is to certify pilgrims fit for the pilgrimage, because it is a rigorous exercise, those going for the first time should be informed early to avoid embarrassment.

“In the past, we have experienced such and we do not intend accommodate this kind of problem because everything falls back on the government, which is not ready for such this time around,’’ she said.

She explained: ``The pilgrims on their own could do it themselves by walking into any general hospital to runthe necessary tests. It does not cost much.