The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a free health insurance enrolment and comprehensive medical outreach for inmates at correctional facilities in the FCT, with over 1,500 inmates expected to benefit.

The programme, which began on Tuesday at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, marks the first time inmates in the FCT are being formally enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

The initiative is being driven by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who said incarceration should not deny individuals access to quality healthcare and other basic rights.

He directed the Health Services and Environment Secretariat to implement the intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive healthcare.

Speaking at the flag-off, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme was anchored on the principle of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of social or legal status.

She said inmates enrolled under the scheme would have access to consultations, laboratory and radiology services, emergency care, surgeries and essential medications at no cost.

Fasawe said health education sessions were conducted for inmates, focusing on hygiene, disease prevention and the importance of health insurance, while also encouraging them to remain hopeful about reintegration into society.

She said more than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes and malaria, while 380 prescriptions were dispensed.

According to her, 230 inmates received eye screenings, with more than 130 provided with corrective glasses.

She added that over 250 National Identification Number (NIN) captures and health insurance enrolments were completed across participating facilities.

Fasawe said additional support items, including medications, consumables, cooking gas for junior staff and medical supplies, were donated to ensure continuity of care.

During the visit, she interacted with inmates and purchased items such as sandals, books, liquid soap and bags made by them, while also donating cash to support vocational training programmes within the facility.

She assured that the clinic in the correctional centre would receive sustained support, including regular supplies of drugs and medical consumables, adding that efforts were underway to accredit and strengthen the facility’s medical centre.

Fasawe also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising healthcare in correctional institutions.

At the Kuje facility, Deputy Comptroller Rasheed Ogundare described the intervention as unprecedented, noting that it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare support for inmates in the centre.

Inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes and malaria, received eye tests, medications and other medical services, while several were also enrolled into the health insurance scheme.

The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding equitable healthcare access to vulnerable populations across the Federal Capital Territory.

Original source: ng