FCT extends healthcare coverage to inmates in Kuje

The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Tuesday 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, which began at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, is the first formal enrolment of inmates into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

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

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

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

Fasawe explained that inmates enrolled under the scheme would have access to medical consultations, laboratory investigations, radiology services, surgeries, emergency care and essential drugs without charge.

She stated, “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.”

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

Health education sessions were organised for inmates 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 terms.

During her visit to the facility, Fasawe interacted with inmates and supported vocational training activities within the centre by purchasing items produced by inmates, including sandals, books, bags and liquid soap. She also donated cash to support fashion training programmes at the facility.

The mandate secretary urged inmates to see their current circumstances as an opportunity for transformation and self-improvement rather than a permanent setback.

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

She added, “Never again would drugs be unavailable at the facility health centres.”

Fasawe also disclosed that plans were underway to strengthen and accredit the medical centre within the facility to enable it to provide more effective services to inmates and staff.

She commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for prioritising healthcare in correctional institutions and praised the management of the Kuje custodial centre for maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

The outreach featured a range of medical services, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, malaria testing and treatment, eye examinations and medical consultations. Prescribed medications were also distributed to inmates.

More than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes and malaria, while about 380 prescriptions were dispensed during the exercise. Over 230 inmates underwent eye screening, with more than 130 receiving corrective eyeglasses.

The exercise also recorded over 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 intervention as unprecedented, noting that it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare programme targeted at inmates in the facility.

He expressed appreciation to the FCTA for the initiative and appealed for similar interventions in correctional centres across the country.

Inmates welcomed the programme with songs and expressions of gratitude as they received medical attention, refreshments and encouragement from officials.