CurrentReport Blog No fewer than 100 media practitioners in Ebonyi State have received free medical services as part of a health outreach organized by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, as part of activities marking the 2024 NUJ Press Week.
Themed “The Media Admits Economic Uncertainty,” this year’s Press Week featured a variety of events, with the free medical outreach being a major highlight. The services provided included health talks, blood and sugar screenings, hepatitis testing, oral care, and treatment, among others. Over 30 journalists who had dental issues were attended to by a team of dentists and received follow-up counseling.
Speaking during the outreach, the state chairman of the NUJ, Samson Nwafor, emphasized the significance of health checks for journalists, who often neglect their health due to the demanding nature of their work. He explained that the medical outreach was specifically included in the Press Week program to ensure that members take advantage of the opportunity to assess their health status.
“This medical outreach was included in this year’s Press Week of the Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to ensure that our members get health checks. Our job is such that it keeps us busy 24 hours a day, and we often don’t have the time to visit hospitals for necessary check-ups,” said Nwafor. “To God be the glory, the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter, led by Dr. Lilian Nwobashi, collaborated with us to make this program a success.”
Tony Nwizi, a former chairman of the NUJ in the state, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely given the immense pressure journalists face, which often takes a toll on their health. “It is good that journalists check their health status regularly because we work under intense pressure in a very demanding environment. This outreach has given us the opportunity to take care of our health as part of the 2024 NUJ Press Week activities,” he said.
Dr. Lilian Nwobashi, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria in Ebonyi State, urged journalists to prioritize regular medical check-ups to prevent potential health issues. She commended the NUJ for organizing the outreach and expressed hope that it would encourage more journalists to seek regular medical attention.
The 2024 NUJ Press Week in Ebonyi State has been packed with various programs aimed at addressing the well-being and professional development of journalists, with the free medical outreach being one of the most impactful initiatives. The event underscores the importance of health care in the lives of media practitioners, who often work under challenging conditions to inform and educate the public.
