Wike launches health insurance for 1,500 FCT inmates

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a free health insurance and medical outreach programme for inmates in correctional facilities across Abuja, with over 1,500 inmates expected to benefit.

The initiative, flagged off at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, marks the first time inmates in the FCT are being formally enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the intervention reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, stressing that incarceration should not deny individuals access to basic medical services.

The rollout was led by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who said the programme aligns with the principle of universal health coverage.

According to her, enrolled inmates will have access to medical consultations, laboratory and radiology services, emergency care, surgeries, and essential drugs at no cost.

The exercise also included National Identification Number registration to ensure proper documentation and seamless integration into the health insurance database.

Medical outreach and services

During the outreach, inmates received a range of healthcare services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, malaria testing and treatment, eye examinations, and general medical consultations.

More than 550 inmates were screened for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria, while about 380 prescriptions were dispensed. Over 230 inmates underwent eye screening, with more than 130 provided with corrective glasses.

In addition, more than 250 inmates completed NIN registration and health insurance enrolment.

Support and rehabilitation efforts

Fasawe assured that the correctional facility clinic would receive sustained support, including a steady supply of drugs and improved accreditation to enhance service delivery.

She also engaged with inmates, encouraging them to embrace rehabilitation and skills development, while supporting their vocational activities through the purchase of locally made items.

Officials of the correctional centre described the programme as unprecedented, noting it was the first comprehensive government-led healthcare intervention of its kind in the facility.

The FCTA said the initiative would be extended to other custodial centres, including Gwagwalada and Suleja, as part of efforts to expand access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.