Press Week: NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital Offer Free Medical Services to journalists 

Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday received free medical consultations and health screenings as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council partnered with Nizamiye Hospital to hold a health outreach as part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week.

The medical outreach, held in Abuja, provided journalists with access to general consultations, specialist examinations, and health counselling, with organisers saying the initiative was designed to promote the wellbeing of media professionals who often operate under intense work pressure.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the importance of prioritising health among journalists, noting that many media practitioners tend to neglect their wellbeing while serving the public.

“A healthy journalist is better equipped to serve society with excellence,” she said, urging media professionals to take regular medical check-ups seriously.

She commended Nizamiye Hospital for partnering with the union, describing the outreach as timely and impactful in addressing the health needs of journalists.

A representative of Nizamiye Hospital, Dr. Uwchukwu Chetachi, said the outreach was structured to give journalists access to comprehensive medical services, including consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy services, and specialist care.

According to her, the medical team included experts in cardiology, ophthalmology, general practice, nursing, and laboratory services, who attended to participants during the exercise.

She added that journalists diagnosed with serious medical conditions during the screening would be referred for further treatment and follow-up care.

The outreach also marked the official opening of the NUJ FCT Council’s 2026 Press Week, themed: “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”

In her remarks, Ike called on journalists across the country to uphold ethical standards and intensify efforts against the spread of fake news, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The press has a sacred duty to protect truth, defend accountability, and preserve the integrity of our democratic process,” she said, warning that misinformation and propaganda pose serious risks to national stability.

Chairman of the 2026 Press Week Planning Committee, Mr. Obas Esiedesa, said the week-long programme would feature panel discussions and capacity-building sessions focused on media ethics, safety, and responsible reporting.

He also appreciated partners and members of the organising committee for their support in ensuring the success of the event.