The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has announced a strategic partnership with Nizamiye Hospital, a leading private medical facility, to organize free medical outreach for journalists in June as part of its upcoming Press Week activities.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing public health awareness and delivering essential healthcare services to media professionals across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During a courtesy visit to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, the NUJ delegation led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, explored potential areas of collaboration with hospital management, with a focus on health advocacy and community service.
Mohammed Abubakar, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Nizamiye Hospital, expressed the hospital’s enthusiasm for the partnership. “We welcome this kind of collaboration. Once we receive a formal letter detailing the outreach plan, we will move forward together,” he said.
He emphasized the role of the media in reducing the growing trend of medical tourism by spotlighting high-quality healthcare services available within Nigeria.
Abubakar also highlighted the hospital’s track record in community outreach, citing recent medical missions that served thousands across Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, and Owerri.
“In Keffi, we treated about 2,500 patients in just two days; 2,250 in Katsina, 2,700 in Bauchi, and 1,700 in Owerri. Just last week, around 800 people, including residents from neighboring communities, benefitted from our outreach,” he said.
He noted that the hospital’s outreach services span multiple specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry. “These initiatives are part of our corporate social responsibility, aimed at reaching underserved populations and improving public health.”
Abubakar further commended the Federal Government’s removal of import tariffs on pharmaceuticals, describing it as a positive step toward improving access to essential medicines. “It’s not always about profit — we invest heavily in maintaining international standards, including the cost of electricity and retaining foreign medical experts,” he added.
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike lauded Nizamiye Hospital for its dedication to quality healthcare and consistent outreach efforts. She reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to championing local healthcare solutions and advancing the welfare of journalists through meaningful collaborations.
“We look forward to building a lasting partnership beyond this medical outreach,” she said. “For instance, issues like supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) often go underreported. Our platform can help amplify such causes nationally.”
She added that the NUJ FCT Council’s digital platforms will be used to promote these initiatives, signaling a long-term alliance with Nizamiye Hospital.
The free medical outreach is expected to be a major highlight of the 2025 NUJ FCT Council Press Week, marking a significant intersection between journalism and healthcare advocacy in Nigeria.
