The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a free health insurance enrolment and medical outreach programme for inmates in correctional facilities across the FCT, with more than 1,500 inmates expected to benefit from the initiative.

The programme commenced on Tuesday at the Medium Security Custodial Centre and marks the first formal enrolment of inmates into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

Authorities disclosed that the intervention would later be extended to correctional facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja.

The initiative was introduced on the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to expand healthcare access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Kuje, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme aligns with the principle of Universal Health Coverage aimed at ensuring healthcare access for all residents regardless of social or legal status.

Fasawe explained that inmates enrolled under the scheme would receive access to medical consultations, laboratory investigations, radiology services, surgeries, emergency care and essential drugs free of charge.

“Our mission at the FCT Health Insurance Scheme is grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

“The implementation of free health insurance for inmates is a testament to our commitment to transforming lives and upholding health as a fundamental human right,” she stated.

As part of the exercise, National Identification Number registration was also conducted to facilitate documentation and seamless enrolment into the health insurance database.

Health education sessions focusing on hygiene, disease prevention, and the importance of health insurance were organised for inmates during the outreach.

Fasawe encouraged inmates to remain hopeful and prepare for reintegration into society after serving their terms.

During her visit, she also supported vocational training programmes within the facility by purchasing items produced by inmates, including sandals, books, bags, and liquid soap, while donating cash support for fashion training activities.

She assured inmates that the correctional facility clinic would receive regular supplies of drugs and medical consumables to improve healthcare delivery.

“Never again would drugs be unavailable at the facility health centres,” she said.

Fasawe further revealed that plans were underway to strengthen and accredit the facility’s medical centre to improve healthcare services for both inmates and staff.

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

The outreach included blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, malaria testing and treatment, eye examinations, medical consultations, and distribution of prescribed medications.

According to officials, more than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria, while about 380 prescriptions were dispensed during the exercise.

Over 230 inmates also underwent eye screening, with more than 130 receiving corrective eyeglasses.

The exercise additionally recorded more than 250 NIN captures and health insurance enrolments across participating facilities.

Additional support items, including medications, medical consumables, and cooking gas for junior staff, were donated to support continued healthcare services within the facility.

The Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare intervention for inmates in the facility.

He appreciated the FCTA for the programme and appealed for similar interventions in correctional centres nationwide.

Inmates welcomed the initiative with songs and expressions of gratitude as they received medical care, refreshments, and encouragement from officials