Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enrolled 379 inmates across custodial centres in the Federal Capital Territory into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Health Insurance Scheme. The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Duza Adamu, disclosed this development on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the enrollment exercise, accompanied by a comprehensive free medical outreach programme, was conducted across the three custodial centres under the FCT Command, namely Kuje, Suleja, and Dukpa. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing the healthcare reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche. It aims to include inmates in health insurance schemes nationwide, thereby expanding access to quality healthcare for those in custody.
Adamu highlighted that beyond immediate healthcare services, the programme is designed to ensure sustained access to essential medical care for inmates during custody and upon reintegration into society. The official flag-off of the programme was held at the Kuje custodial centre, with the goal of strengthening rehabilitation outcomes and promoting public health.
Inmates and personnel benefited from a wide range of medical services, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, malaria screening, eye examinations, and consultations. A total of 180 prescriptions were filled, and over 100 patients received optometry services and eye screenings. Reading glasses were distributed to beneficiaries, while drugs and medical consumables were provided to support continued healthcare delivery at the custodial clinic.
The programme underscores the collaboration between the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, and relevant government institutions in advancing correctional reforms. This collaboration is focused on protecting the rights and welfare of inmates, ensuring they are not excluded from essential healthcare services in the nation’s capital.
Adamu quoted the command’s Controller of Corrections, Christopher Jen, as commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the programme. Jen appreciated the Health Services and Environment Secretariat for extending critical healthcare interventions to inmates and correctional personnel. He described the enrollment as an important milestone in correctional administration, aligning with global best practices on humane custody and inmate welfare.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, described the programme as a practical demonstration of the FCT Administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She emphasized that the outreach reflects the principle of leaving no one behind in the provision of healthcare services, breaking the cycle of neglect and marginalisation often faced by this vulnerable population.