The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced the second-quarter nationwide distribution of essential medicines to correctional facilities across the country as part of efforts to improve healthcare services for inmates.
Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, said the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and humane treatment for persons in custody, in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
According to a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the Controller-General said the current administration is placing greater emphasis on strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding mental health services, and improving the welfare of female inmates.
He explained that female inmates remain among the most vulnerable groups in custodial centres, making it necessary to prioritise their health and hygiene needs.
“We have deliberately prioritised the unique healthcare needs of female inmates, particularly menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific sanitary requirements, to preserve their dignity and wellbeing,” Nwakuche said.
The Controller-General also disclosed that the Service is advancing efforts to ensure inmates benefit from the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“Several state governments have already enrolled inmates into their health insurance programmes, while discussions are at an advanced stage to secure nationwide coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority framework,” he added.
Nwakuche noted that the quarterly distribution of medicines forms part of a broader healthcare reform programme designed to reduce disease outbreaks, improve mental health support, and strengthen rehabilitation and reformation initiatives within custodial centres.
Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the exercise as another milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform agenda.
She said the availability of essential medicines would improve inmates’ overall health while helping to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases in correctional facilities.
Essien urged healthcare workers across all Commands to ensure that the drugs are properly managed and used strictly for approved medical purposes.
Also speaking, Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service has established a comprehensive monitoring system to guarantee transparency and accountability in the distribution and utilisation of medicines.
“The accountability framework provides effective oversight of drug utilisation, guarantees transparency in pharmaceutical management, and ensures that the medicines reach the intended beneficiaries in custodial centres nationwide,” Bashir said.
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting ongoing correctional reforms and also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and inmate welfare.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s determination to sustain reforms that protect inmates’ health, dignity and mental wellbeing while advancing rehabilitation, reformation and successful reintegration into society.
