The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, is partnering Nizamiye Hospital, a private medical facility, to organise free medical outreaches in the month of June and during its upcoming Press Week.
This initiative aims to promote public health awareness and provide free healthcare services to journalists within the Federal Capital Territory [FCT].
During a recent courtesy visit to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, the NUJ delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, discussed potential areas of collaboration, particularly in health advocacy and community service.
The hospital, represented by its Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, expressed readiness to support the Press Week and a series of medical outreaches for journalists
“We welcome this kind of partnership,” Abubakar said.
According to him: “All we need is a formal letter outlining the outreach plan, and we will proceed together.”
Abubakar urged the media to highlight the quality healthcare options available locally to help reduce the increasing trend of medical tourism.
He also shared the hospital’s successful outreach programmes, which have served thousands of Nigerians in Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, and Owerri, among others
“In Keffi, we treated about 2,500 patients over two days. In Katsina, around 2,250; in Bauchi, approximately 2,700; and in Owerri, about 1,700. Just last week, we attended to about 800 people, including those from neighbouring areas who rushed to the venue.
“We initially planned to see between 1,500 and 2,000 patients. We also left remaining medications at the local facility for continued use,” he explained.
Abubakar added, “Our outreach covers multiple specialities including cardiology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry.”
According to him, the outreach programmes are part of their corporate social responsibility to assist the less privileged in the society as well as promote the well-being of people.
He further commended the federal government for taking off import tariffs on pharmaceuticals, noting that this policy would significantly improve access to essential medicines.
“It’s not all about business but also helping people. For instance, we pay so much on electricity and keep our foreign doctors” he added
He said medical tourism remained one area the media should tackle and create more awareness on treatments in Nigeria.
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike praised Nizamiye Hospital’s dedication to quality healthcare and its ongoing community support efforts.
She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to raising awareness about local healthcare solutions and improving the welfare of its members through strategic partnerships.
“We look forward to a stronger partnership beyond this medical outreach.
“For example, issues like supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in partnership with states are not well publicized. Our platform can help amplify such causes across the country, given that we represent all journalists in the FCT,” Ike said.
She added, “We also have our own news platform and website, which can be used to further promote these initiatives. This collaboration is just the beginning of a broader partnership beyond the medical outreach.”
Both parties confirmed their commitment to working together, with the medical outreach set to be a key highlight of the NUJ FCT Council’s Press Week.
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in bridging media and medical advocacy in Nigeria.”
A group photograph of officials of Nizamiye and FCT Council of NUJ
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
, FCT Council, is partnering Nizamiye Hospital, a private medical facility, to organise free medical...){kind=link}