New scheme ensures journalists access free treatment for chronic illnesses and better healthcare support.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has unveiled a health insurance scheme for journalists, aiming to expand access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment, said the initiative covers over 480 journalists so far, offering free medications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. She stressed that basic healthcare is a right, not a luxury, and the programme is part of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s drive to strengthen universal health coverage and reduce maternal mortality.
Fasawe added that the scheme also recognises journalists as first responders who relay crucial government information and that coverage will soon extend to all journalists in the territory. She called on private organisations and philanthropists to support the initiative.
NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, urged journalists to advocate for wider health insurance adoption and highlighted the scheme’s three categories: formal (civil servants), informal (private/self-employed), and equity (vulnerable groups). The programme allows access to healthcare from primary to tertiary levels.
Grace Ike, Chairperson of NUJ FCT Council, called the initiative a historic step for media welfare, noting it addresses long-overlooked health needs of journalists and encourages them to prioritise their wellbeing. She also thanked Dr. Babagana Adam for sponsoring 50 additional journalists in memory of his late brother.
The launch was attended by officials from the FCT Health Secretariat and stakeholders in the health and media sectors.
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