By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Journalists in the federal capital territory, FCT, have begun to enjoy a better life, as over 300 members benefited from a free medical outreach organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital on Saturday at the NUJ Council, Utako, Abuja.
The free medical outreach comprised of eye tests, blood pressure, sugar level check, malaria tests, including dispensation of free drugs.
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who was present at the outreach, lauded the NUJ FCT Council under the Chairman , Comrade Grace Ike and Nizamiye Hospital for the medical intervention to help safeguard the health of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Representing the CDS at the event, the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu, 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.”
The NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, also thanked Nizamiye Hospital for partnering with the Council by bringing their team of specialists, including a general surgeon, internals, cardiologist, nephrologist, ophthalmologist and general practitioners to ensure the medical outreach was successful.
According to her, it is important for journalists to make their health a top priority, adding that the Council will always that ensure members are healthy.
“They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time to check on themselves”, she said.
Also, she said, “This outreach is part of NUJ FCT’s wider plan to raise health awareness and give free medical support to journalists.”
Comrade Ike noted that results from individual check-up would help guide to get health insurance for members.
“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 further expressed happiness that journalists turned out en masse for the outreach, adding that the team of medical doctors from Nizamiye hospital are here to check members.
She personally thanked Nizamiye Hospital for taking up this challenge, and promised that the medical outreach would not be a one-stop thing but a continuous one.
“This initiative demonstrates the union’s commitment to supporting journalists’ well-being,” she added.
Doctors from Nizamiye Hospital carried out several checks in areas such as heart health, bones and joints, eyes, and dental care.
Mohammed Abubakar, the hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, earlier confirmed the hospital’s support for the event and other similar health programmes in the FCT.
“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”, he stated.
Abubakar disclosed that the major disease that is prevalent is High Blood pressure and sugar level, as he disclosed that those with serious eye issues will be given free eye surgery at the hospital.
Speaking, Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, Dr. Nurullo Sadokov stated that the medical outreach was part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility.
He said, “I hope this screening will help journalists to identify and prevent diseases and sicknesses.”
“From what we have seen so far, there are journalists with blood pressure and blood sugar problems. Our surgeon here has identified some journalists with hernia and hemorrhage.”
“We are making plans for those patients to come to our hospital for proper treatment and management. We came here for a general screening.”
“Some patients may end at the diagnostic level, while others may need further attention. At the end of the day, we will make a list and make recommendations to the NUJ,” he said.
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