The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, provided free health services to more than 300 journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat featured vital tests and consultations across several specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dental care, and general medicine.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh, commended the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital for prioritising journalists’ health.
“This is a laudable event. Kudos to the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital for organising this outreach.
“It will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists and help them stay focused on their important work,” Musa said.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, expressed appreciation to Nizamiye Hospital for bringing a team of specialists, including general surgeons, internists, cardiologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, and general practitioners.
Ike said the outreach was part of the NUJ’s broader goal of promoting health awareness and offering free medical support to its members.
“Journalists are always on the field and often don’t find time to check on their health,” she said, adding that the screening would also inform efforts to secure health insurance for members.
“It is our duty to ensure journalists monitor their vitals. This outreach shows our commitment to their well-being, and we intend to sustain it,” Ike said.
She assured members that more such programmes would be organised.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, Mohammed Abubakar, affirmed the hospital’s support for the initiative and other similar health interventions.
“Our aim is to prevent diseases through early screening. This partnership with NUJ FCT aligns with our humanitarian goals,” he said.
Abubakar revealed that the most common health issues identified during the outreach were high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.
He added that the hospital would follow up on journalists who needed further care, including eye surgeries.
Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, Dr Nurullo Sadokov, noted that the programme was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility.
He stressed the importance of early detection in preventing serious health complications.
“Some journalists have been identified with conditions such as hernia and haemorrhoids.
“We will invite them for treatment and further management at the hospital. While some may only need basic diagnostics, others will require more advanced care,” he explained.
Both the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital expressed optimism that the partnership would result in improved health and productivity for journalists in Abuja.
NAN further reports that medications were also distributed.(NAN)
