Agency Pledges Partnership with Correctional Service to Improve Healthcare for Inmates
The Director-General of the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KTSCHMA), Muhammad Tukur Ibrahim Safana, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to providing quality, affordable and comprehensive healthcare services to inmates across the state.
The DG gave the assurance when he received a medical team from the Katsina Correctional Centre, led by Dr Habib Kabir Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The engagement followed the recent announcement by Governor Radda of the enrolment of 20,000 inmates into the state’s free health insurance programme as part of efforts to expand healthcare access to vulnerable groups.
Safana said KTSCHMA would continue to support Governor Radda’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable residents, including inmates, are not left out of the state’s healthcare coverage initiatives.
He said the administration remained committed to extending quality healthcare services to all categories of residents, stressing that inmates should also have access to appropriate medical care.
“Healthcare is a fundamental need, and no one should be excluded from access to quality medical services because of their circumstances,” he said.
The DG explained that access to healthcare was essential to protecting the dignity, wellbeing and fundamental rights of inmates, irrespective of their status or circumstances.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between KTSCHMA, correctional authorities and other relevant stakeholders in advancing the state’s universal health coverage objectives.
“We are ready to work closely with the correctional authorities and their medical teams to ensure that the benefits of the Governor’s health insurance interventions reach inmates and that their healthcare needs are properly addressed,” Safana said.
Safana further assured that the Agency would strengthen its engagement with correctional authorities to facilitate timely access to healthcare services and support the effective implementation of the health insurance coverage for inmates.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr Habib Kabir Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for approving free health insurance coverage for 20,000 inmates across Katsina State.
He described the initiative as a significant step towards improving access to healthcare for inmates, noting that it would provide greater support for their medical needs.
Dr Habib also commended the state government for its continued investments in the health sector, including the recent official flag-off of activities at Charanchi General Hospital and the deployment of emergency ambulance services.
He said the correctional authorities looked forward to sustaining their partnership with KTSCHMA towards improving healthcare delivery within correctional facilities across the state.