The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched  free health insurance enrolment and comprehensive medical outreach for inmates across correctional facilities in the FCT.

 Over 1,500 inmates are expected to benefit from the initiative which was flagged off at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

The programme is expected to be extended to correctional facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja, was the the first time inmates in the FCT  were formally being enrolled into the Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Speaking at the event, FCT Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe said that the intervention was initiated under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who insisted that imprisonment should not strip individuals of access to quality healthcare and other fundamental rights.

Fasawe noted that the minister directed the Health Secretariat to carry out the exercise in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s inclusive healthcare policy, adding that healthcare access must be guaranteed for all persons, regardless of their legal or social status.

She noted that inmates enrolled under the FHIS would receive medical consultations, laboratory and radiology services, emergency care, surgeries, and essential drugs free of charge.
Fasawe assured that the correctional facility’s clinic would receive sustained support, including regular supplies of drugs and medical consumables.

She said efforts were ongoing to strengthen and accredit the medical centre to improve healthcare delivery within the facility.
Over 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes and malaria; about 380 prescriptions were dispensed; over 230 inmates received eye screening, with more than 130 issued corrective glasses. More than 250 inmates also completed NIN capture and health insurance enrolment.

Additional support items, including medications, consumables, cooking gas for junior staff and other medical supplies, were donated to support continuity of care, while plans were also announced for sustained drug supply and improved facility accreditation.

 Fasawe leveraged the opportunity to ainteracted with inmates and supported their vocational activities by purchasing crafts produced within the facility, including sandals, books, liquid soap, and bags.

The Mandate Secretary also made cash donations to support the fashion training class, highlighting the importance of skills acquisition and self-reliance.

She urged inmates to see incarceration as a period of transformation and preparation for reintegration, encouraging them to remain focused on becoming productive citizens upon release.
 Fasawe commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising inmate healthcare, noting that the facility’s medical infrastructure was commendable and should be properly utilised and maintained.

The Mandate Secretary applauded the leadership of the correctional centre, including Comptroller Peter Jen and Deputy Comptroller Rasheed Ogundare, as well as the FHIS team led by Dr Salamatu Belgore, for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the programme.

The outreach provided inmates with a wide range of services, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, malaria testing and treatment, eye examinations, medical consultations, and the dispensing of prescribed medications.

Deputy Comptroller Rasheed Ogundare described the intervention as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time inmates at the Kuje facility were receiving such comprehensive government-backed healthcare support.

He commended the FCTA and called for similar programmes in other correctional institutions.

As part of the exercise, inmates also underwent National Identification Number (NIN) capture to ensure proper documentation and smooth enrolment into the health insurance database.