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FCT Launches Health Insurance for Pregnant Women

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a significant step in addressing maternal and child mortality by introducing enrollment for pregnant women into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), includes the distribution of free delivery kits for women enrolled in the scheme.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for FCT, highlighted the administration’s commitment to extending health insurance coverage to both formal and informal sectors. Speaking through her Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdullahi Kauran-Mata, she emphasized that the health insurance scheme aims to provide every resident with access to quality healthcare services without financial barriers.

Expressing concern over potential delays, Dr. Mahmoud warned Health Maintenance Organisations against withholding funds and services to hospitals. She assured that the availability of funds would ensure seamless access to healthcare for all scheme participants.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasized the priority given to health insurance by Minister Nyesom Wike. Aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, the administration is determined to prevent maternal deaths during childbirth.

The health insurance scheme covers antenatal care and delivery, with the added innovation of a safe delivery kit. Fasawe explained that these sterilized kits, costing around N50,000, are now provided free of charge to registered participants. Pregnant women in vulnerable groups who cannot afford health insurance will be registered for free, ensuring comprehensive care for both mother and child.

Dr. Frances-Lois Adewumi, FCT State Director of USAID Integrated Health Programme, pledged the agency’s commitment to supporting maternal and child care in the FCT. With an annual premium payment of N13,500, residents can access quality healthcare services under the scheme.

Dr. Ahmed Danfulani, Director of FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), revealed that the scheme, launched in 2009, has enrolled over 160,000 beneficiaries. This includes individuals from the formal and informal sectors, as well as vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and the indigent population.

Mrs. Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs at FCTA, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. The goal is to reach all women in the 62 wards of the FCT with essential health services. She also highlighted the commitment of Minister Wike to President Tinubu’s universal health coverage agenda.

The launch of health insurance enrollment for pregnant women in the FCT, coupled with the distribution of free delivery kits, marks a significant step towards reducing maternal and child mortality. The collaborative effort between FCTA and USAID underscores the commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all residents in the territory.

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