From Yahaya Audu, Bauchi
Three hundred (300) practicing journalists in Bauchi state have undergone free eye screening and treatment by Opthalmology department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi.
Flagging off the exercise on yesterday at the Press Centre Bauchi, the deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Comrade Muktar Gidado, commended the management of the hospital for extending their humanitarian services to journalists working in the state.
Comrade Gidado who was represented by the deputy National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Comrade Umar Sa’idu, enjoined members of the union to make good use of the opportunity in order to maintain good health status of their eyes.
In his welcome address, the state chairman of the union Comrade Ibrahim Malam Goje, explained that the exercise was part of this years’ World Sight Day Celebration with the theme, good sight counts.
Comrade Malam Goje said the union deemed it imperative to collaborate with relevant organizations within and outside the state to improve the health status of members.
The chairman assured the readiness of the union to sustain the frequent eye chek-up for members in view of the risk of eye ailments associated with modern journalism.
Also speaking, the head of the medical team from Optholmology department of ATBU Teaching Hospital Dr Hafsat Isa, said the exercise covers eye treatment, medication and referrals where necessary.