NMA TO CONDUCT MONTHLY PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION FOR INMATES NATIONWIDE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has unveiled plans to commence monthly psychiatric evaluations for inmates across all correctional facilities in Nigeria starting next month.

The initiative, aimed at promoting mental wellness and improving overall prison health services, was announced by the First Vice President of the NMA, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, during a visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Headquarters in Abuja.

As part of the visit, the Association also donated reusable sanitary pads for all female inmates nationwide a gesture Dr. Olowojebutu described as an effort to restore dignity and equity in access to healthcare.

He explained that the mental health evaluation programme forms part of a broader initiative to integrate mental healthcare into correctional rehabilitation, ensuring inmates receive both medical and psychological support during incarceration.

In response, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the NMA for the gesture and partnership, noting that the collaboration would significantly enhance healthcare delivery for both inmates and correctional staff across the country.

“With this partnership, rehabilitation is taking a more human face one where care, education, and reform work hand-in-hand to give inmates a fair chance at change,” Nwakuche stated.

The new initiative marks a major step in aligning Nigeria’s correctional healthcare system with global best practices, emphasizing mental health as a critical component of rehabilitation and reintegration.

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