The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enrolled 379 inmates across custodial centres in the FCT into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare services for persons in custody.
The initiative, implemented through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HS&ES), also featured a free medical outreach programme across the three custodial centres under the FCT Command — Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa — with the official commencement taking place at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The programme aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, which seeks to ensure that inmates across the country are included in health insurance programmes and have access to quality medical care.
Officials said the scheme is expected to provide continuous healthcare support for inmates while in custody and after reintegration into society, thereby enhancing rehabilitation efforts and promoting public health.
During the medical outreach, inmates and correctional personnel benefited from various services, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, malaria screening, eye examinations and medical consultations. About 180 prescriptions were filled, while over 100 persons received optometry services and eye screenings. Reading glasses were also provided to beneficiaries, with drugs and medical supplies donated to support ongoing healthcare delivery at the custodial clinic.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme reflected the FCT Administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
She noted that the outreach was aimed at addressing healthcare needs while promoting dignity and inclusion among inmates.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for supporting the initiative and praised the HS&ES for extending healthcare interventions to inmates and correctional officers.
Jen described the enrolment of inmates into the BHCPF scheme as a major milestone in correctional administration, stressing that access to healthcare was essential to humane custody, rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
He added that the Nigerian Correctional Service would continue to strengthen partnerships that promote inmate welfare and improve correctional standards.
The FCTA said the initiative highlights growing collaboration between government institutions and the Nigerian Correctional Service towards advancing reforms, protecting inmates’ welfare and ensuring inclusive access to essential healthcare services within the nation’s capital.