Introduction to FCT Health Insurance Scheme
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has surpassed its annual health insurance enrolment by over 40 percent, with the enlisting of 198,810 residents in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, FHIS, in the one year.
Enrolment Figures and Benefits
Among the enrollees are 10,065 pregnant women, who received free registration as part of efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the territory. The feat was announced by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday. Olayinka, in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that the figures highlight a significant increase in health insurance enrolment since the Wike-led administration took office, with the annual enrolment target of 25,000 people exceeded by 17 percent and 44 percent respectively.
Healthcare Access Improvement
The FCTA has made substantial strides in improving healthcare access in a bid to combat the high rates of preventable maternal and infant mortality. “Of the 198,810 residents enrolled, 10,065 vulnerable persons, including pregnant women enjoyed free enrollment, which allows them free access, through the Primary Health Care, PHC, Centres, to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, BMPHS.
Services Covered Under the Scheme
The services include primary preventive care, screening, primary emergency services, and secondary level care such as dental, mental, eye, ear, nose and throat care, physiotherapy, surgeries, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations such as ultrasound scan, x-rays.
Call to Action and Ongoing Registration
While urging residents to key into the FHIS by registering for the scheme, Okayinka said the free registration for vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, which commenced in February, this year was still on. He said all pregnant women who enrolled through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF, Primary Health Care, PHC, Centres across the six Area Councils in the FCT will continue to enjoy free health education, medical consultation and treatment, routine antenatal drugs, laboratory investigations and delivery.
Comprehensive Care for Pregnant Women
“Referral for secondary care including caesarean section, blood transfusion, and treatment of other obstetric complications such as eclampsia, at all the 14 General Hospitals in the FCT is also provided at no cost to the patient through the BHCPF.” Quoting the Mandate Secretary of the FCT on Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who was speaking at an event in Gwarinpa District Hospital, commemorating the 2025 World Health Day, “the FCTA under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has intensified efforts to combat maternal and infant deaths.
Renewed Hope Initiative
“A key intervention is the approval of free health insurance coverage for all pregnant women residing in the FCT, ensuring that all childbirth-related expenses, including vaginal and cesarean deliveries, are fully covered at no cost. The initiative formed part of activities marking this year’s event under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which maintains a zero-tolerance stance on maternal and infant mortality. “In alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several hospitals in the FCT, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centers. These facilities will also offer cesarean sections free of charge.”
Conclusion
The FCT Administration’s achievement in exceeding its health insurance enrollment target and providing free registration to vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, is a significant step towards improving healthcare access and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the territory.
FAQs
- What is the FCT Health Insurance Scheme?
The FCT Health Insurance Scheme is a health insurance program that provides access to healthcare services for residents of the Federal Capital Territory. - Who is eligible for free registration under the scheme?
Vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, are eligible for free registration under the scheme. - What services are covered under the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services?
The services covered include primary preventive care, screening, primary emergency services, and secondary level care such as dental, mental, eye, ear, nose and throat care, physiotherapy, surgeries, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations such as ultrasound scan, x-rays. - How can residents register for the FHIS?
Residents can register for the FHIS through the Primary Health Care, PHC, Centres across the six Area Councils in the FCT.
Source: theabujainquirer.com
