The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has kicked off the enrollment of vulnerable pregnant women in Abuja into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, providing them with access to essential healthcare services. The Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dolapo Fasawe, announced this during a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, where she stated that pregnant enrollees would receive a complimentary safe delivery kit.
During the launch of the FHIS enrollment and safe delivery kit distribution, Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts in implementing the insurance scheme under the FHIS. She highlighted the significance of ensuring access to quality healthcare services without financial constraints.
Fasawe, the Secretary for Health Services and Environment, emphasized the importance of FHIS registration, stressing the administration’s commitment to prioritizing health insurance, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She underscored the aim of preventing maternal deaths due to childbirth complications by providing comprehensive coverage, including antenatal care and safe delivery.
The free safe delivery kits distributed to enrolled pregnant women aim to promote sterile delivery practices and reduce maternal and neonatal complications. Fasawe outlined the eligibility criteria for free registration under the vulnerable group, ensuring that every pregnant woman in FCT who cannot afford health insurance fees receives coverage.
Acknowledging the support of development partners like USAID IHP, Fasawe commended their collaboration in realizing initiatives such as the FHIS. Frances Adewumi, the USAID IHP FCT State Director, highlighted the project’s goal of reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the FCT, emphasizing the importance of FHIS in achieving this objective.
The event saw the distribution of 500 safe delivery kits to enrolled pregnant women and the registration of over 1500 pregnant women, marking a significant step towards ensuring maternal and child health in Abuja.