FCT EXPANDS HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO KUJE INMATES

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Tuesday flagged off a free health insurance enrolment and medical outreach programme for inmates across correctional facilities in the FCT, with over 1,500 inmates expected to benefit.

The initiative commenced at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje and represents the first formal enrolment of inmates into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

Officials disclosed that the programme will later be extended to custodial centres in Gwagwalada and Suleja.

The intervention was introduced on the directive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to improve healthcare access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Kuje, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the initiative aligns with the principles of Universal Health Coverage, which seeks to ensure inclusive healthcare for all residents regardless of status.

She explained that inmates enrolled in the scheme will have access to medical consultations, laboratory tests, radiology services, surgeries, emergency care, and essential medicines at no cost.

According to her, “Our mission at the FCT Health Insurance Scheme is rooted in the belief that every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, deserves access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

“The implementation of free health insurance for inmates demonstrates our commitment to transforming lives and recognising health as a fundamental human right.”

As part of the exercise, inmates were also enrolled into the National Identification Number system to support proper documentation and integration into the health insurance database.

Health education sessions were conducted during the outreach, focusing on hygiene, disease prevention, and the importance of health insurance. Inmates were also encouraged to remain hopeful and prepare for reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

During her visit, Dr Fasawe engaged with inmates and supported vocational training programmes by purchasing items produced within the facility, including sandals, books, bags, and liquid soap. She also made cash donations to support fashion training initiatives.

She encouraged inmates to view their current situation as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation rather than a setback.

She further assured that the facility clinic would receive regular supplies of medicines and medical consumables to improve healthcare delivery, stating, “Never again would drugs be unavailable at the facility health centres.”

Fasawe also revealed plans to upgrade and accredit the medical centre within the custodial facility to enhance service delivery for inmates and staff.

She commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising healthcare in correctional centres and praised the management of the Kuje facility for maintaining order and cleanliness.

The outreach provided services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, malaria screening and treatment, eye examinations, and general consultations, with prescribed medications distributed to inmates.

In total, more than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria, about 380 prescriptions were issued, over 230 inmates underwent eye screening, and more than 130 received corrective eyeglasses.

Over 250 inmates were also captured for NIN registration and health insurance enrolment across participating centres.

Additional support, including medicines, medical supplies, and cooking gas for junior staff, was donated to sustain 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 expressed appreciation to the FCTA and called for similar programmes across other correctional centres nationwide.

Inmates expressed gratitude for the outreach, singing and appreciating officials as they received medical care, refreshments, and encouragement.