Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration launches a free health insurance and medical outreach programme for inmates across correctional centres in Abuja, enrolling more than 1,500 inmates under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme.
The programme which started on Tuesday begins at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje and is expected to expand to facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approves the initiative, insisting that incarceration should not deny citizens access to healthcare and dignity.
Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, says the intervention is designed to promote universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
“Inmates remain part of society and are entitled to dignity, care, and hope for reintegration,” Fasawe says.
According to the FCTA, inmates enrolled under the scheme will receive free consultations, laboratory services, surgeries, radiology care and essential medications.
The outreach also includes National Identification Number registration, health education sessions and screenings for hypertension, diabetes and malaria.
Officials disclose that more than 550 inmates were screened for major health conditions, while over 380 prescriptions and 130 corrective eyeglasses were provided during the exercise.
Deputy Comptroller of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Rasheed Ogundare, describes the initiative as the first comprehensive government-led healthcare support for inmates at the facility.
The intervention comes amid growing concerns over overcrowding, poor funding and limited healthcare access in Nigerian correctional centres.
Fasawe says the prison clinic will receive sustained medical support and improved accreditation to strengthen healthcare delivery inside custodial facilities.
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Korede Abdullah 