The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a free health insurance enrolment and comprehensive medical outreach for inmates across correctional facilities in the FCT.
A statement issued by Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant on Media to Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), said the exercise commenced at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
Fasawe said the exercise marked the first time inmates in the FCT were being formally enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
According to her, the initiative was driven by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who stressed that incarceration should not deny individuals access to quality healthcare and other basic rights.
She said more than 1,500 inmates were expected to benefit from the programme, adding that there were plans to extend the initiative to Gwagwalada and Suleja correctional facilities.
Fasawe said the minister had directed the HSES to implement the intervention as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive healthcare.
The mandate secretary, who led the rollout of the medical outreach and enrolment exercise at Kuje, said the programme was anchored on the principle of Universal Health Coverage.
According to her, the aim is to ensure that no one is left behind, regardless of social or legal status.
She explained that inmates enrolled in the FHIS would have access to consultations, laboratory and radiology services, emergency care, surgeries and essential medications at no cost.
Fasawe added that the exercise also included National Identification Number (NIN) capture to support proper identification and seamless enrolment into the health insurance database.
“Health education sessions were conducted during the outreach, where inmates were sensitised on hygiene, disease prevention and the importance of health insurance.
“They were also assured that they remain part of society and are entitled to dignity, care and hope for reintegration,” she said.
Fasawe also encouraged inmates by patronising their creative arts and purchasing inmate-made crafts such as sandals, books, liquid soap and bags.
She also made cash donations in support of the fashion training class, reinforcing the importance of skills acquisition, productivity and self-reliance within the facility.
The mandate secretary urged the inmates to view their current situation as a phase of transformation rather than a permanent definition of their lives.
She advised them to remain focused on becoming productive members of society upon release and assured them that the clinic within the correctional centre would continue to receive support, including a steady supply of drugs and medical consumables.
According to her, essential medications would no longer be unavailable, adding that steps were underway to strengthen and accredit the facility’s medical centre for improved service delivery.
Fasawe, however, commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising healthcare within correctional institutions.
She expressed satisfaction with the available medical infrastructure and called for its proper utilisation and maintenance.
The mandate secretary also commended the leadership and staff of the correctional centre, led by Comptroller Peter Jen and Deputy Comptroller Rasheed Ogundare, as well as the FHIS team led by Dr Salamatu Belgore, for their cooperation.
Fasawe said inmates benefited from a wide range of medical services during the outreach, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose screening, malaria testing and treatment, eye examinations, medical consultations and the dispensing of prescribed medications.
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 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.
She added that plans were already underway for sustained drug supply and improved facility accreditation.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, described the intervention as unprecedented, noting that it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare support extended to inmates in the facility.
He expressed appreciation to the FCTA and called for similar interventions in other institutions.
The inmates expressed gratitude through songs, dances and gestures of appreciation as they received medical attention, refreshments and encouragement, reflecting renewed hope for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
