In a significant development for healthcare in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a total of 198,810 residents have been successfully enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) over the past year. This includes 10,065 pregnant women who benefited from free registration.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, announced this achievement in a statement released on Tuesday. He highlighted that the current administration has exceeded its annual enrolment target of 25,000 by 17 per cent and 44 per cent, reflecting a growing commitment to expanding healthcare access.
Olayinka stated, “Of the 198,810 residents enrolled, 10,065 vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, enjoyed free enrollment. This initiative allows them free access, through the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres, to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).”
The services included in this package range from primary preventive care and screening to secondary level care, which encompasses dental, mental, eye, and physiotherapy services, as well as surgeries and laboratory investigations such as ultrasound scans and x-rays.
Olayinka urged residents to take advantage of the FHIS, emphasising that free registration for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, which began in February this year, remains active. “All pregnant women enrolling through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Primary Health Care Centres across the six Area Councils in the FCT will continue to enjoy free health education, medical consultation, routine antenatal drugs, laboratory investigations, and delivery services,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that referrals for secondary care, including caesarean sections and treatment for obstetric complications, will be provided at no cost through the BHCPF at all 14 General Hospitals in the FCT.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, echoed the administration’s commitment during a recent event at Gwarinpa District Hospital, which marked the 2025 World Health Day. “The FCTA, under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to combat maternal and infant deaths,” Dr. Fasawe said.
He added, “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. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which upholds 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) centres, further enhancing access to vital maternal healthcare services.”