The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, has provided free medical check-ups to more than 300 journalists in Abuja.
The initiative, held on Saturday at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, aimed to enhance the health and well-being of media professionals.
The comprehensive health outreach featured screenings for high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, eye conditions, heart health, dental issues, and general surgical assessments.
Findings from the exercise revealed a concerning prevalence of hypertension and elevated blood sugar levels among journalists, underscoring the high-stress nature of the profession.
Speaking through his representative, Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, commended the initiative as “laudable,” noting that supporting journalists’ health would boost their productivity and focus.
“This effort will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists in Abuja and help them stay focused on their job,” he said.
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Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, thanked Nizamiye Hospital for deploying a multidisciplinary medical team, including cardiologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, and general practitioners.
She emphasised the union’s commitment to prioritising members’ health and said the results of the outreach would inform the union’s advocacy for comprehensive health insurance coverage for journalists.
“We will always make sure our members are healthy,” Ike said. “They go out to the field every time and most times they barely have time for medical check-ups. This will not be the last. We will continue to do this.”
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, said the outreach aligned with the hospital’s commitment to humanitarian services and preventive healthcare.
“We identified several cases of high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels, and eye conditions. Those with serious concerns, particularly eye-related issues, will be invited for further treatment, including surgery if necessary,” he said.
Dr Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director of Nizamiye Hospital, added that the initiative formed part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility and aimed to help journalists detect potential illnesses early.
“Some journalists presented with hernias and haemorrhoids. These will be further evaluated and managed at the hospital,” he explained, noting that a full report with recommendations would be shared with the NUJ Council.
The well-attended event marks a significant step in promoting preventive healthcare among media professionals, who often operate under intense deadlines and stress, with little time for personal wellness.
The NUJ and Nizamiye Hospital affirmed their continued partnership to ensure that journalists remain in good health and able to carry out their essential role in society.