The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced the second quarter of nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medical supplies to custodial centres, with the Comptroller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to improving healthcare for inmates.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Friday, Nwakuche said the initiative reflected the Service’s determination to provide humane custody and quality healthcare in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
He said his administration had placed special attention on the healthcare needs of female inmates, particularly menstrual hygiene and other gender-specific health requirements, while also expanding mental health services for vulnerable inmates.
The NCoS boss also noted that the Service was working towards enrolling inmates in the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee sustainable access to healthcare in correctional facilities across the country.
The Service’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, J. N. Usuji, Nwakuche, said several state governments had already enrolled inmates in their respective health insurance schemes, while discussions were at an advanced stage to achieve nationwide coverage through the National Health Insurance Authority.
The Assistant Comptroller-General of Corrections in charge of medical services, Glory Essien, described the exercise as a “major step” in the Service’s healthcare reform programme.
She said the intervention would improve inmates’ health and help reduce the spread of communicable diseases in custodial centres.
Essien urged medical personnel across all commands to ensure that the drugs are used responsibly and strictly for approved medical purposes.
Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service had put in place a monitoring and reporting system to ensure accountability in the distribution and use of the medicines.
He said the mechanism would guarantee transparency in the management of pharmaceutical supplies and ensure that the drugs reach inmates in need across the country’s custodial facilities.