By Queen Kunde
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has offered 150 free health insurance slots to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, pledged to sponsor 50 more journalists every year in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali, who died in the line of duty.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja when NUJ leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Secretariat.
With the combined pledges, 200 journalists will now benefit from free health insurance coverage for one year.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure – Fasawe
Dr. Fasawe said the gesture is part of efforts to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
She stressed that journalists play a key role in educating the public about health issues and insurance.
“Prevention is better than cure. If journalists benefit from the scheme and understand how it works, they will help spread the message,” she said.
According to her, the FCT Health Insurance Scheme provides access to free medical services at accredited hospitals for one year after payment of an annual premium of N22,500. The services include childbirth, surgeries and emergency care.
She admitted that many residents avoid seeking medical help due to lack of money or distrust in the system but assured that the administration is working to rebuild public confidence.
“Health is wealth. When we say we will provide healthcare, we will deliver,” she added.
50 Slots in Honour of Late Brother
Dr. Adam said his decision to fund 50 additional slots yearly is to honour his late brother, Mohammed Alkali.
“I am making this contribution in honour of my late brother who was killed in the line of duty,” he said.
He called on NUJ leaders to select the most vulnerable journalists who cannot afford healthcare. He also urged stronger partnerships with private individuals and organisations to expand coverage to as many as 300 journalists in the future.
Dr. Adam noted that poor pay in parts of the media industry affects journalists’ welfare and needs urgent attention.
NUJ Applauds Initiative
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, thanked the Secretariat for the support.
She said the health insurance scheme has reduced medical expenses for many families and civil servants in Abuja.
“Your initiatives have touched countless lives and ensured no one is left behind,” she said.
Ike promised that the union would continue to promote awareness about health insurance and push for better healthcare services for residents.
She also appealed for possible rebates to help more journalists enroll, saying financial challenges remain a major problem in the profession.
The initiative is expected to boost healthcare access for media professionals in the FCT and strengthen collaboration between the government and the press.
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