FCTA begins health insurance for inmates

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has started a free healthcare and insurance programme for inmates in correctional centres across the FCT, with more than 1,500 inmates expected to benefit from the initiative. The programme began at the Kuje custodial centre and will later extend to facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja.

The intervention marked the first time inmates within the FCT correctional system were formally enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. The initiative followed directives from Wike, who approved the programme as part of efforts to make healthcare available to vulnerable groups within the territory.

The rollout was supervised by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe. During the exercise, inmates received medical consultations, laboratory services, treatment for common illnesses, medications, surgeries where necessary, and emergency healthcare support without payment.

Officials also conducted National Identification Number registration to support proper documentation and smooth enrolment into the health insurance database. Health workers used the outreach to educate inmates on hygiene, disease prevention and the importance of healthcare coverage.

Fasawe interacted with inmates during the visit and supported some of their vocational activities by purchasing handmade items produced within the facility. Some of the items included sandals, books, bags and liquid soap.

Financial support was also provided for training activities within the correctional centre as part of efforts to encourage self-reliance and rehabilitation.

She assured the inmates that the clinic within the custodial centre would continue receiving medical supplies and drugs to improve healthcare delivery. Plans are also ongoing to strengthen and accredit the medical facility for better treatment services.

The FCTA official also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting healthcare improvements within correctional institutions. She praised the management and staff of the Kuje correctional centre for their cooperation during the programme.

Medical teams screened hundreds of inmates for hypertension, diabetes and malaria during the exercise. Many inmates also underwent eye examinations, while corrective glasses were distributed to those with vision problems. Prescribed medications were dispensed to inmates who required treatment.

Additional materials such as drugs, consumables, cooking gas for junior staff and other medical supplies were donated to support continued healthcare services at the facility.

Deputy Comptroller Rasheed Ogundare described the programme as the first large-scale government healthcare intervention experienced by inmates at the centre. Inmates who benefited from the exercise expressed appreciation through songs, dancing and other gestures during the outreach programme.

The FCTA stated that the programme forms part of ongoing plans to expand healthcare access to vulnerable residents across the Federal Capital Territory.