Naija News • 1d ago
Fasawe, NUJ President urge philanthropists to sponsor health insurance for journalists as NUJ FCT launches scheme
**Journalists in Abuja Get Boost in Healthcare Access**
In a significant move aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of journalists in Nigeria's capital city, more than 150 media professionals in Abuja have been enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). This innovative initiative, launched by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter, is set to provide journalists with access to quality healthcare services.
The launch of the scheme was marked by a call from Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, to philanthropists and corporate organizations to sponsor health insurance for journalists. This appeal is a timely reminder of the importance of corporate social responsibility and the need for organizations to support the welfare of journalists, who play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding those in power accountable.
Journalists often find themselves in precarious situations while carrying out their duties, and they are frequently exposed to risks that could compromise their health and wellbeing. The FHIS scheme is a welcome development that acknowledges the challenges faced by journalists and seeks to mitigate them.
In Nigeria, journalists often rely on personal savings or the goodwill of friends and family to access medical care when they fall ill or are injured. The FHIS scheme offers a more sustainable and reliable solution, providing journalists with access to a range of healthcare services, including hospitalization, medication, and specialist care.
The NUJ FCT chapter is to be commended for its initiative, which demonstrates the union's commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of its members. By working together with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, the NUJ has created a model that could be replicated in other parts of the country, providing a pathway for journalists to access quality healthcare services.
As the FHIS scheme rolls out, it is hoped that more philanthropists and corporate organizations will respond to Dr. Fasawe's call to sponsor health insurance for journalists. This support would not only benefit the journalists but also contribute to the overall development of the media industry in Nigeria.