Abuja: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, organized a free health screening event for more than 300 journalists in Abuja on Saturday. The initiative aimed to provide essential health services and consultations across multiple specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dental care, and general medicine.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outreach, held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat, was praised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who was represented by the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh. Musa commended the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital for their efforts in prioritizing the health of journalists, emphasizing the positive impact on their well-being and productivity.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, expressed gratitude to Nizamiye Hospital for assembling a team of specialists, including general surgeons, internists, cardiologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, and general practitioners. Ike highlighted that the outreach was part of the NUJ’s larger mission to enhance health awareness and offer medical support to its members. She pointed out the importance of journalists monitoring their health and mentioned plans to secure health insurance for members.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, confirmed the hospital’s commitment to the initiative and similar health interventions. He noted that early screening is crucial in disease prevention and shared that high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels were common issues identified during the event. Abubakar assured follow-up care for journalists requiring further attention, including eye surgeries.
Dr. Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, emphasized the role of the program in the hospital’s corporate social responsibility efforts. He stressed the importance of early detection in mitigating serious health complications and mentioned that some journalists were identified with conditions such as hernia and hemorrhoids, for which they would be invited for treatment and further management.
Both the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye Hospital expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of their partnership, which they believe will enhance the health and productivity of journalists in Abuja. Additionally, medications were distributed during the event.