The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has announced a partnership with Nizamiye Hospital to organize a free medical outreach for journalists in June, as part of activities marking its upcoming Press Week.
The initiative is aimed at promoting public health awareness and enhancing access to quality medical care for members of the press within the FCT.
During a courtesy visit to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, the NUJ FCT delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, explored areas of collaboration with the hospital’s management, focusing on healthcare advocacy and community outreach.
Nizamiye Hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, welcomed the partnership, pledging full support for the initiative. “We welcome this kind of collaboration,” he stated. “Once we receive a formal proposal, we’re ready to proceed together.”
Abubakar encouraged the media to spotlight quality healthcare services available in Nigeria to help reduce medical tourism. He highlighted the hospital’s robust outreach efforts across the country, noting that thousands have benefitted from similar programs in Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, and Imo States.
“In Keffi, we treated about 2,500 patients in two days; 2,250 in Katsina; 2,700 in Bauchi; and around 1,700 in Owerri. Just last week, we served nearly 800 people, including residents from neighboring communities,” he said. “These outreaches span cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry.”
Abubakar described the outreach as part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility and emphasized the importance of giving back to underserved populations. He also lauded the Federal Government’s removal of import tariffs on pharmaceutical products, noting that the policy will greatly improve access to essential medicines.
“It’s not just about business—it’s about helping people. We spend heavily on power and retain foreign specialists, but we’re committed to quality care,” he added.
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike commended Nizamiye Hospital for its commitment to healthcare and community service. She reaffirmed the NUJ’s readiness to use its platform to amplify local health solutions and advocate for vulnerable groups.
“This collaboration marks the beginning of a broader partnership,” Ike noted. “Beyond the medical outreach, we can work together on initiatives like supporting internally displaced persons, which often lack adequate media coverage.”
She also emphasized that the NUJ FCT Council’s in-house news platforms will be leveraged to promote health advocacy and related initiatives.
The upcoming medical outreach will be a key feature of the NUJ Press Week and symbolizes a growing alliance between the media and health sector in advancing public welfare and awareness.