The Edo State Government has kicked off a three-day free healthcare programme for journalists and other media professionals in the state.
The free medical services commenced on Thursday, August 25, 2022 and will end on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
The programme is being organised by the Edo State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Journalists in the state will receive free healthcare services from 9 am daily at the New Conference Hall, NUJ Press Centre, No. 1 Sir Gabriel Igbinedion Way, GRA, Benin City.
Declaring the health programme open, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, said the 3-day programme is in line with the vision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s Edo Health Improvement Programme (EDOHIP) to strengthen health promotion, disease prevention and early detection of diseases, amongst other healthcare improvement interventions that are ongoing in Edo State.
According to her, journalists are critical stakeholders in the Edo healthcare improvement agenda.
In a statement, the Ministry said, “The programme began with media practitioners in Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Federal Ministry of Information, ITV/Radio and Vibes FM, on Thursday, August 25, 2022.
“On Friday, August 26, 2022, officials in the Edo Broadcasting Service, the Nigerian OBSERVER, Nigeria Television Authority and Reliance, will benefit from the free medical services.”
“The programme will end on Saturday, August 27, 2022 with those in Correspondents, Merit, Bronze Fm (Radio Nig), Federated and AIT/Ray Power, as well as the spill over from other chapels.”
The statement further read: “Arrangements have been made to provide continuity of care for participants who will require follow up care.“Chapel leaders are expected to prepare their members for the free medical check-up in line with the timetable.”