By Adenike Lawal
In a move to champion the welfare of media workers, the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory has sealed a partnership with Nizamiye Hospital to provide free medical services to journalists during the upcoming NUJ Press Week in June.
The initiative was unveiled during a courtesy visit by NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, and her team to the hospital.
She described the health mission as a launchpad for a lasting collaboration with the private healthcare provider.
“This medical outreach is only the starting point. We anticipate building a sustainable partnership that extends well beyond this initiative,” Ike said, signaling the union’s commitment to long-term journalist welfare.
In response, Nizamiye Hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, welcomed the partnership and assured the union of the hospital’s full support. He requested a formal proposal to kick off planning for the outreach.
“We are happy to partner with the NUJ on this outreach. Once we receive the official documentation, we will move forward with preparations,” he said.
Abubakar also urged journalists to spotlight the strengths of Nigeria’s healthcare system to help reduce dependence on foreign medical trips.
He cited past medical missions by Nizamiye that have touched thousands across states like Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi and Imo.
In Keffi alone, he said, the hospital treated about 2,500 patients in just two days, while recent outreach in Owerri catered to over 1,700 people.
He added that the hospital’s outreach programs cover a wide range of specialties including cardiology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, dentistry, gynaecology and eye care-all under its corporate social responsibility mandate.
The collaboration comes at a time when the federal government’s suspension of import duties on pharmaceuticals is expected to make vital medicines more affordable.
This NUJ-Nizamiye partnership sets a powerful example of how alliances between professional bodies and private institutions can deliver real impact in tackling healthcare challenges.
