NUJ-FCT, Nizamiye Hospital Collaborate on Free Medical Outreach

…commend FG for removing tarrif on drug

By Gloria Ikibah

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In a bid to improve access to healthcare and raise health awareness among media professionals, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to roll out a series of free medical outreach programs scheduled for June, coinciding with activities lined up for the NUJ Press Week.

The collaboration was sealed during a courtesy visit by the NUJ leadership to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja. Led by Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike, the NUJ delegation explored avenues for joint efforts in promoting community health and public wellness.

Responding on behalf of the hospital, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, affirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative, highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare and extending medical care to underserved sectors like the media.

The partnership also drew praise for the federal government’s recent removal of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, a policy shift both parties agreed would ease access to essential drugs and boost the effectiveness of grassroots medical interventions.

“We welcome this kind of partnership, all we need is a formal letter outlining the outreach plan, and we will proceed together”, Abubakar said.

He urged the media to highlight the quality healthcare options available locally to help reduce the increasing trend of medical tourism.

The DCOO also shared the hospital’s successful outreach programs, which have served thousands of Nigerians in Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Owerri among others

“In Kefi, 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 neighboring 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.

“Our outreach covers multiple specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry”, he stated.

According to Abubakar , the outreach programs are part of their corporate social responsibility to assist the less privileged in the society as well as promote 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 remains 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 publicised. Our platform can help amplify such causes across the country, given that we represent all journalists in the FCT.

“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”, Comrade Ike said.

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.