The Federal Capital Territory Administration has enrolled 379 inmates across custodial centres in the FCT into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare for persons in custody.
The enrollment exercise, which was accompanied by a free medical outreach programme, was conducted at the Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa custodial centres, with the official flag-off held at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the initiative as a major step towards advancing healthcare reforms within the correctional system.
According to the statement by its spokesman, A.S Duza, the programme aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, aimed at ensuring the inclusion of inmates in health insurance schemes nationwide.
Duza noted that the initiative would guarantee sustained access to essential healthcare services for inmates during incarceration and after their release, thereby supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
“During the outreach, inmates and correctional personnel received blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, malaria screening, eye examinations and medical consultations.
A total of 180 prescriptions were filled, while more than 100 inmates benefited from optometry services and eye screenings. Reading glasses were also distributed to beneficiaries, ” the statement added.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme reflected the commitment of the FCT Administration to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
