Nathaniel Shaibu
As part of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched free antenatal care and health insurance coverage for pregnant women for one year.
The initiative was unveiled on Monday by the Mandate Secretary, FCTA’s Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe.
She explained that the initiative named ‘Renewed Hope Free Medical Outreach’ was designed for the poor living in Abuja rural communities.
Fasawe, who was at the Palace of the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jubrin, and the Council’s Secretariat, on Monday, to sensitise the people about the outreach scheduled to begin on Wednesday, warned against a hijack of the initiative by privileged persons.
She also appealed for them to allow the vulnerable residents to benefit from the initiative.
The mandate secretary said besides the one-year insurance, there will also be free eye, dental and other health services, as well as the provision of minor surgeries.
She stated, “We are going to be giving free medical care, eye care, provide minor surgery and dental care. Pregnant women and their children will get free insurance for one year. Let not the privileged people deny the less privileged people.
“Let those who can afford the care allow the poor to get the free care. We don’t want chairman’s candidates, we want the poorest of the poor. Register all pregnant women for free antenatal.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr Babagana Adams, called on the council officials to mobilize those who need the services to come out en mass.
He also warned against ethnic and religious discrimination as the initiative was designed to serve all.
Meanwhile, a traditional ruler, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, during his address commended the FCTA for the initiative and pledged his full support.
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