Wike Begins Free Healthcare For Prison Inmates

Wike Begins Free Healthcare For Prison Inmates

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a free health insurance and medical outreach programme for inmates in correctional centres across Abuja.

The exercise began at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, with more than 1,500 inmates expected to benefit.

The initiative, introduced under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, will extend to correctional facilities in Gwagwalada and Suleja.

Inmates enrolled under the scheme will receive access to medical consultations, laboratory services, treatment, surgeries and essential drugs without payment.

The programme also included health checks, malaria treatment, eye examinations and National Identification Number registration for inmates.

Officials said hundreds of inmates had already received prescriptions, corrective glasses and health insurance enrolment during the first phase of the exercise.

FCT health officials said the intervention is aimed at ensuring that inmates are not denied healthcare despite being in custody.

Correctional authorities and inmates praised the programme, describing it as the first large scale healthcare support of its kind in the facilities.