Imo NUJ Conducts Free Eye Test For Members

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council last Friday organised a free eye test for practising journalists in the state.

The test was conducted by Vision and Rights Initiative, a non-governmental organisation at the NUJ Secretariat, Owerri.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Njoku, while addressing journalists said that the programme was in line with the Federal Government’s Vision 20:2020 part of which was to ensure health especially good eye sight for all citizens.

The Commissioner, represented by Dr Precious Inyanga, a Director in the Ministry of Health commended both NUJ and the NGO for organising the programme for journalists in the state.

Njoku reiterated the commitment of the State Government to deliver quality health care to the people, pointing out that healthcare had moved from curative to preventive medicine.

The Coordinator of Vision and Rights Initiative, Dr Sharon Ohaka said that the programme was aimed at creating awareness on the need for regular medical checkup, especially for  eyes.

He said that the programme, which started in 2005 also involved training programmes for people who were later enlisted as volunteers to propagate the gospel of Free Eye Blindness through adequate information.

Ohaka enjoined all beneficiaries to join in the campaign by informing the public on the need for a regular eye check to prevent blindness.

Earlier, the Imo NUJ Chairman, Mr Innocent Igwe said that the initiative was to draw the attention of journalists on the need for regular eye check to enhance their eye status.

He said that a good sight was important for every journalist for effective performance of his or her duty and enjoined all to make good use of the opportunity.