The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enrolled 379 inmates in custodial centres across the territory into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Health Insurance Scheme, in a move aimed at expanding access to healthcare for persons in custody.
The initiative, which also featured a free medical outreach, was implemented at the Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa custodial centres, with the official launch held at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to improve inmate welfare and strengthen healthcare delivery within correctional facilities.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, A.S. Duza, the service said the enrolment aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, which seeks to integrate inmates into health insurance schemes nationwide.
According to the statement, the initiative will provide inmates with sustained access to essential healthcare services during incarceration and after release, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
As part of the outreach, inmates and correctional personnel underwent blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, malaria screening, eye examinations and medical consultations.
The exercise also saw 180 prescriptions filled, while over 100 inmates benefited from eye screening and optometry services, with reading glasses distributed to those in need.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
She noted that the initiative was designed to ensure that vulnerable groups, including inmates, are not excluded from access to healthcare services.
Also speaking, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, described the enrolment as a major milestone in correctional administration and inmate welfare.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the initiative and stressed that quality healthcare remains essential to the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society.
Jen added that the correctional service would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote humane custody and improve the well-being of persons in correctional facilities.
The NCoS said the programme highlights growing cooperation between the FCT Administration and the correctional service in advancing prison reforms and improving access to healthcare for inmates in the nation’s capital.
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