FCT NUJ, Nizamiye Hospital Hold 2nd Free Medical Outreach For 250 Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Federal Capital Territory, FCT Council, has conducted its second free medical outreach for journalists in Abuja, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, as part of the 2025 Press Week activities.

Held at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako, the outreach attracted over 250 media professionals from the print, broadcast, and online platforms, who received free medical consultations and basic health screenings.

The initiative aims to promote the health and overall well-being of journalists who are often exposed to long hours and unpredictable field assignmemts as well as other factors that put them at risk of physical and mental exhaustion.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the program is part of the union’s renewed focus on the welfare of its members.

She emphasized that journalists, as society’s watchdogs, must be healthy to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

“Journalists are frontline workers, and their health must not be taken for granted,” Ike said.

“This second outreach reaffirms our commitment to a welfare-driven leadership that goes beyond press freedom to include physical and mental wellness.”

She added that the Council is also exploring a partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA, to enroll more members in affordable health insurance schemes.

Speaking on the broader vision of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Ike said the Council would continue to advocate for better working conditions, safety, and dignity for journalists across the FCT.

“Our commitment is to empower journalists not only professionally but also personally. A healthy journalist is a productive journalist,” she said.

The Deputy Head of Operations at Nizamiye Hospital, Mohammed Abubakar, who led the medical team, described the initiative as timely and commendable.

“Preventive healthcare is key. Journalists are among the least likely professionals to prioritize medical check-ups due to their schedules, but early detection is vital,” he said. “We’re proud to be part of this effort to support their health.”

The outreach offered a range of services including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, body mass index (BMI) analysis, cholesterol tests, malaria screening, and eye examinations.

Doctors were also available for one-on-one consultations and general health advice.

Some journalists, who turned up for the program, said the outreach helped them uncover hidden health issues.

The outreach has drawn commendation from stakeholders in the health and media sectors, with calls for it to be replicated in other NUJ councils nationwide.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji