In its bid to ensure efficient healthcare services for the people, the State Government has revealed plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), on the provision of medical care for inmates in the State.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known during a courtesy visit of officials of the NCS, State Command in her office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Coker said the Government had facilitated COVID-19 testing, treatment and counseling for inmates across the three Senatorial Districts, saying correctional centres were among places where a surge in Coronavirus cases could occur.
She noted that the current administration had put in place structures for affordable and qualitative healthcare for all residents, adding that inmates in correctional facilities would also benefit from the government’s policy thrusts on health.
“Majority of the inmates in correctional facilities across the State are our people. We have to ensure that while they serve their terms, their health is also well attended to. The big picture is for us to have standard and well-equipped Primary Healthcare Centres in the Local Government Areas, many of these are in close proximity to correctional facilities,” Coker said.
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The Commissioner assured that the State government would continue to make HIV testing and treatment free for inmates, while reiterating her Ministry’s commitment to support NCS on their Health Days.
On his part, the Comptroller of Corrections, State Command, Mojeed Olaniran, lauded effort of the present administration for creative approaches used in containing COVID-19 in the State, noting that its efficient management of the health sector is second to none.
