In a pioneering move to improve healthcare access for the most vulnerable populations, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a Medical Palliatives Program, providing free medications to those in need.
This initiative, spearheaded by FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, aims to provide free medications to those in need, ensuring better health outcomes and alleviating the financial burden of healthcare.
Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the program’s launch at Gwarimpa General Hospital, highlighting its potential to create a more equitable healthcare system.
“I am happy to announce that the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has approved the concept of medical palliatives, and she is eagerly awaiting to see its impact,” Dr. Fasawe stated.
He emphasized that the program is not a medical outreach but a highly controlled initiative managed by doctors in FCT hospitals. “Doctors will use scientific guidelines and their discretion to determine who qualifies for medical palliatives. These medications will be given out for free,” he explained.
The program is part of a pilot scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Fasawe stressed the importance of sustainability and the need for thorough testing before rolling out the program nationwide. “We are doctors and scientists. We like to pilot tests, see how it works before making it a project or program,” she said.
Addressing concerns about funding, Dr. Fasawe highlighted the role of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). “To qualify for medical palliatives, individuals will register on the NHIS for free, which has a provision for vulnerable people,” she noted. The program will leverage community leaders to identify the poorest residents who will benefit from free treatment under the scheme.
The Minister of the FCT, often called “Mr. Projects,” is not only focused on infrastructure but also on building sustainable systems to improve health outcomes. “This is a selfless project. The doctors and nurses involved will not receive extra pay for their participation,” Dr. Fasawe added.
Dr. Fasawe also addressed the issue of medication wastage, explaining that the program will use medications that are nearing their expiration date but are still effective. “We are not giving out expired drugs. We are providing medications that have excess stock to those in need,” she clarified.
The program will start with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, providing a one-month dose for free to patients. “This will help patients use their funds for other necessities, contributing to financial stability and improved health,” Dr. Fasawe said.
Dr. Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development said: “The health and well-being of Nigerians is central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We’ve worked hard to improve healthcare, and today’s medical palliatives launch with the FCTA is another step towards delivering better health outcomes. We’re supporting pregnant women with essential items for self-delivery, malaria protection, and micronutrient supplements to build their bodies and their unborn children’s strength.”
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Baba Gana Adam, the package also includes institutional support and financial assistance for those in need. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a comprehensive welfare package to support residents, including free medical tests and distribution of foodstuffs such as rice, garri, and tom brown for children.
A significant benefit of the package is the free enrollment of pregnant women into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for one year, including coverage for newborns. This ensures that mothers and their babies receive essential healthcare services without financial burden.
To facilitate registration, a desk officer has been designated for FCT Health Insurance, and residents can inquire about the registration process at their local hospital. The administration’s commitment to residents’ welfare is evident in these measures, which aim to provide access to essential health services and support during challenging times.
