Thiruvananthapuram: State haj affairs minister N Samsudheen has written to Union minority affairs minister Kiran Rijiju, requesting an extension of the deadline for haj pilgrims selected from Keralam to submit their medical certificates. A significant number of those selected from Keralam are working abroad.Many pilgrims are finding it difficult to obtain the medical screening certificate prescribed by the haj committee of India by Sept 15. The state haj committee has received several complaints that pilgrims are facing difficulties obtaining such certificates from govt facilities and private hospitals abroad, with many institutions refusing to issue them.In view of the situation, the minister urged the Centre to take immediate steps to extend the deadline for submitting the medical screening certificate and to provide a separate window for expatriate pilgrims to submit the document.In his letter, he also appealed to the Union minister to ensure that everyone, including Keralites, gets an opportunity to undertake this year’s haj pilgrimage smoothly.
