*CDS Praises Initiative as Blood Pressure, Sugar Issues Dominate Results
By Queen Kunde
No fewer than 300 journalists in Abuja benefitted from a free medical outreach organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital on Saturday a major step toward improving the health and well-being of media professionals in the nation’s capital.
The exercise, held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, recorded a high turnout of members, with initial results revealing widespread cases of high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels, and eye-related complications.
The initiative earned commendation from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who described it as “laudable.” Represented by the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu, the CDS said the effort was both timely and essential.
“This kind of outreach will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists in Abuja and help them stay focused on their job,” Salihu noted.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, hailed the partnership with Nizamiye Hospital and stressed the importance of routine health checks for journalists who often neglect their own well-being while pursuing stories.
“Our members are always out in the field and rarely have time to take care of their health. That’s why we’ve taken it as a point of duty to make sure they get checked. We are also working towards securing health insurance for all our members,” she said.
Medical experts from Nizamiye Hospital conducted comprehensive examinations, including blood pressure and sugar level tests, eye screenings, and consultations with specialists ranging from cardiologists and nephrologists to surgeons and ophthalmologists.
Dr. Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director at Nizamiye Hospital, explained that the outreach forms part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility. “Some journalists have been diagnosed with hernia and haemorrhoids, while others are dealing with hypertension and diabetes. We’ll follow up with them for treatment,” he said.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye, affirmed the hospital’s commitment to preventive healthcare and community service. “We are known for our humanitarian efforts. This is more than just screening, it’s about preventing disease and saving lives,” he said.
He added that some journalists with serious eye conditions would be scheduled for further evaluation and possible surgery at the hospital.
The NUJ FCT Chairman reiterated that the outreach was not a one-off event. “We will continue to prioritize the health of our members. This is just the beginning,” she assured.
The medical outreach marks a significant collaboration between the media and health sectors, with hopes that the partnership will continue to empower journalists with better health and higher productivity.