The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a free health insurance and medical outreach programme for inmates in correctional centres across the FCT, with more than 1,500 inmates expected to benefit from the initiative.
The programme officially began at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje on Tuesday, marking the first formal enrolment of inmates into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
According to officials, the initiative was introduced on the directive of Nyesom Wike as part of efforts to expand healthcare access under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Authorities also disclosed that the programme would later be extended to correctional facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja.
Speaking during the launch, Adedolapo Fasawe said the programme reflects the principle of Universal Health Coverage, stressing that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of their legal or social condition.
Under the scheme, inmates will receive free access to medical consultations, laboratory tests, radiology services, surgeries, emergency treatment and essential medications. Officials also carried out National Identification Number registration to support proper documentation and enrolment into the health insurance database.
Health education sessions on hygiene, disease prevention and the importance of health insurance were also organised for inmates during the outreach programme.
During the visit, Fasawe interacted with inmates and purchased items produced through their vocational training programmes, including sandals, bags, books and liquid soap. She also donated funds to support fashion training within the facility and assured inmates that the prison clinic would continue receiving regular medical supplies.
Medical screenings conducted during the outreach included blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, malaria screening, eye examinations and general medical consultations.
Officials disclosed that more than 550 inmates were screened for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and malaria, while around 380 prescriptions were dispensed. Over 230 inmates also underwent eye screening, with more than 130 receiving corrective eyeglasses.
Additionally, more than 250 inmates completed NIN registration and health insurance enrolment during the exercise.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, described the initiative as unprecedented and called for similar programmes to be introduced in correctional facilities across Nigeria.
Inmates reportedly welcomed the programme warmly, expressing gratitude through songs and prayers as they received treatment and encouragement from officials.