The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a free health insurance enrolment and comprehensive medical outreach for inmates in correctional facilities across the FCT.
A statement issued by Mrs. Bola Ajao, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), said the exercise began at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
Fasawe said the exercise marked the first time inmates in the FCT were formally enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
According to her, the initiative was driven by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who stressed that incarceration should not deny individuals access to quality healthcare and basic rights.
She said more than 1,500 inmates are expected to benefit from the programme, with plans to extend it to Gwagwalada and Suleja correctional facilities.
Fasawe noted that the minister directed the HSES to implement the intervention as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive healthcare.
The mandate secretary, who led the rollout at Kuje, said the programme is anchored on the principle of Universal Health Coverage, ensuring no one is left behind regardless of social or legal status.
She explained that enrolled inmates would have access to consultations, laboratory and radiology services, emergency care, surgeries, and essential medications at no cost.
The exercise also included the capture of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to facilitate 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,” she said.
“They were also assured that they remain part of society and are entitled to dignity, care and hope for reintegration.”
Fasawe encouraged the inmates by purchasing their handmade crafts, such as sandals, books, liquid soap and bags. She also made cash donations to support the fashion training class, emphasising the importance of skills acquisition and self-reliance.
She urged the inmates to view their current situation as a phase of transformation rather than a permanent definition of their lives and assured them of continued support for the facility’s clinic, including a steady supply of drugs and medical consumables.
Fasawe commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising healthcare in correctional institutions and praised the leadership and staff of the Kuje 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.
During the outreach, more than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes and malaria, while 380 prescriptions were dispensed. Additionally, 230 inmates received eye screenings, with over 130 provided with corrective glasses. Over 250 NIN captures and health insurance enrolments were also completed.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, described the intervention as unprecedented, noting it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare support extended to inmates in the facility.
Inmates expressed gratitude through songs, dances and gestures of appreciation as they received medical care, refreshments and encouragement.
