…Uncover alarming cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and eye conditions
By Adenike Lawal
In a step to safeguard the health of media professionals, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Council, in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, conducted a free medical outreach for over 300 journalists on Saturday in Abuja.
Held at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako, the outreach featured comprehensive health screenings including checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, eye conditions, kidney and heart issues.
Preliminary findings revealed a troubling prevalence of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and other chronic health risks among participants; many of whom had neglected medical checkups due to their demanding schedules.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu commended the initiative.
“This is a timely intervention that speaks volumes about the commitment to journalists’ welfare. Their health directly impacts national communication and democracy,” he said.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, lauded Nizamiye Hospital for deploying a full team of specialists including a cardiologist, nephrologist, ophthalmologist, and general practitioners.
She stressed the need for preventive healthcare, noting that journalists often prioritize news coverage over personal wellness.
“Our members are always on the go. They barely have time for regular health checks. This outreach is our way of saying their lives matter,” she stated.
She further revealed that the initiative is part of a broader plan to establish a health insurance scheme for union members.
“This is only the beginning. The data from today will guide our advocacy for comprehensive health coverage,” she added.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, said the outreach was designed for early disease detection and prevention.
“We’ve already identified several cases of hypertension, diabetes, and visual impairments. More serious cases requiring surgery will be referred to our hospital,” he said.
Dr. Nurullo Sadokov, Deputy Medical Director at Nizamiye, described the program as part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility.
He confirmed detection of advanced conditions like hernias and haemorrhoids, assuring that affected individuals will receive appropriate care.
A comprehensive medical report will be submitted to the NUJ FCT to aid in long-term health planning for journalists.
The NUJ FCT leadership reiterated its commitment to regular medical interventions, declaring that journalists’ health would remain a top priority going forward.
