The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced a free health insurance enrolment and medical outreach programme for inmates across correctional centres in Abuja, with over 1,500 inmates expected to benefit from the initiative.
The programme, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, was flagged off on Tuesday at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, marking the first formal enrolment of inmates into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
It was launched on the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and is expected to be extended to correctional facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja in subsequent phases.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the initiative is designed to advance Universal Health Coverage, stressing that access to healthcare should not be limited by social or legal status.
Under the scheme, enrolled inmates will receive free medical services including consultations, laboratory tests, radiology, surgeries, emergency care, and essential medications.
Officials also conducted National Identification Number registration to support proper documentation and integration into the health insurance database, alongside health education sessions on hygiene, disease prevention, and insurance awareness.
During the outreach, medical teams carried out screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, malaria, and eye conditions. Over 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria, while more than 230 received eye examinations and over 130 were given corrective eyeglasses. About 380 prescriptions were also dispensed, alongside more than 250 NIN registrations and insurance enrolments.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, described the programme as unprecedented, calling for its expansion to other correctional facilities nationwide.
Inmates at the centre expressed appreciation for the intervention, participating in the outreach with songs of gratitude as they received medical attention and support.