Abuja – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has significantly expanded health insurance coverage for journalists operating within the capital region. Under the newly enhanced programme, approximately 480 media professionals are now enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), a move intended to improve access to quality healthcare across the journalist community.
The announcement was made by Dr. Adedolapo Fasaoje, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Ministry of Health and Environment, during the inauguration of the initiative. Speaking at the event, he emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring healthcare accessibility and called upon charitable organisations, political figures, religious leaders, and business stakeholders to support journalists in securing essential medical services.
Dr. Fasaoje stated, “Primary healthcare is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Health must be accessible, affordable, and guaranteed for all.” He further revealed that an additional 50 insurance slots have been allocated specifically for journalists, extending the scheme’s reach and ensuring wider coverage within the media sector.
Under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Week, the FCTA has also reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality rates and enhancing the quality of primary healthcare services. The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for maternal deaths and provides free antenatal, delivery, and Caesarean services for underprivileged and high-risk pregnant women at primary healthcare centres throughout the territory.
Grace Ike, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, described the expansion as a major step forward for journalist welfare. She expressed gratitude to Honourable Akin Rotimi Junior, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee, for supporting the programme and lauded the provision of 150 complimentary health insurance slots for NUJ members, facilitated by the FCT Ministry of Health.
In a personal initiative, Dr. Babagana Adam pledged coverage for 50 journalists in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali. National NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya highlighted that fewer than 1% of Nigerian journalists currently have health insurance, underlining the initiative’s potential to reduce medical expenses and improve access to quality healthcare.
FCT Journalists’ Health Insurance Overview
| Benefit | Number of Journalists | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Total journalists in FCT | 800 | Approximate |
| Enrolled under FHIS | 480 | Ongoing coverage |
| Additional insurance slots | 50 | Newly expanded |
| NUJ free insurance slots | 200 | Supported by charitable & government funding |
With this expansion, the FCTA aims to safeguard journalists in the capital against health risks, ensuring timely and reliable access to essential medical care, while strengthening the overall welfare of the media community.