The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, has provided free medical check-ups for over 300 journalists in Abuja. The medical outreach, held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, revealed a high prevalence of high blood pressure and sugar level issues among the participants.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa praised the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward safeguarding journalists’ health. Represented by Director of Medical Services Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu, the CDS said, “It is actually a laudable event and I want to say kudos to the NUJ FCT and the Nizamiye Hospital for organizing and conducting this medical outreach for journalists. This effort will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists in Abuja and help them stay focused on their job.”

NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike expressed gratitude to Nizamiye Hospital for deploying a team of specialists, including a general surgeon, internals, cardiologist, nephrologist, ophthalmologist, and general practitioners. “We will always make sure our members are healthy. They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time to check on themselves,” she said.

The outreach is part of NUJ FCT’s wider plan to raise health awareness and provide free medical support to journalists. Comrade Ike noted that the results of the check-ups would help guide their efforts to secure health insurance for members. “This initiative demonstrates the union’s commitment to supporting journalists’ well-being,” she added. “It is our desire to make sure that we get health insurance for our members. The outcome of today’s outreach will better guide us.”

Comrade Ike promised that this wouldn’t be the last time, saying the union remains committed to looking after its members. “This will not be the last. We will continue to do this. Thank you to Nizamiye Hospital for taking up this challenge.”

Doctors from Nizamiye Hospital carried out various health checks, including heart health, bones and joints, eyes, and dental care. The hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, said, “Our aim was to conduct medical screening for journalists in the FCT. The aim of the medical outreach is to prevent diseases. We are known to give humanitarian aids and this for us is a partnership with the NUJ FCT.”

The medical outreach identified several health issues, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, hernia, and hemorrhage. The hospital will follow up with participants who require further treatment and management. Dr. Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, stated that the medical outreach was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility. “I hope this screening will help journalists to identify and prevent diseases and sicknesses.”

Comrade Grace Ike expressed her joy and satisfaction with the exercise, stating that it aligns with her campaign focus on prioritizing welfare and inclusivity for journalists. She emphasized that the nature of the job often leaves the issue of healthcare neglected and revealed that efforts are ongoing to obtain health insurance for media members of the union under the National Health Insurance Scheme. “We will always make sure our members are healthy. They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time to go for medical check-ups.”

The partnership between NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital aims to promote better health and higher productivity among journalists in Abuja. The exercise was well-attended, with Comrade Ike thanking Nizamiye Hospital for bringing their team of specialists to check on NUJ members. “I am happy that members turned out en masse for this outreach. For me, I am happy that the team of medical doctors from Nizamiye hospital are here to check our members.”