By Comfort Olayinka
In a bid to enhance public health awareness and support journalists’ wellbeing, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to provide a free medical outreach scheduled for June, as part of activities marking the Council’s upcoming Press Week.
During a recent courtesy visit to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, led a delegation to explore collaborative avenues in health advocacy and community service. The hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, warmly welcomed the partnership, pledging full support for the outreach initiative.
“We welcome this kind of partnership,” Abubakar stated. “Once we receive a formal proposal, we’ll move forward together.”
Abubakar highlighted the hospital’s impressive track record in conducting successful outreach programs across various states, including Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, and Imo, where thousands received free medical care. He also urged the media to combat medical tourism by spotlighting quality healthcare services available within Nigeria.
“Our programs cover cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry. This is part of our corporate social responsibility to uplift the less privileged,” he said.
Abubakar further applauded the Federal Government’s removal of import tariffs on pharmaceutical products, noting that the move would make essential medications more accessible.
Comrade Grace Ike praised Nizamiye Hospital’s commitment to public service and emphasized the NUJ’s dedication to promoting local healthcare solutions. “This collaboration is just the beginning,” she noted. “We aim to use our platforms to amplify outreach efforts and also support other causes like assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs).”
With both organizations reaffirming their commitment, the free medical outreach promises to be a major highlight of the NUJ FCT Council’s Press Week, symbolizing a growing alliance between the media and the medical sector in advancing public welfare.
