480 journalists enrolled in FCT health insurance scheme, 50 more to be covered – Fasawe

About 480 journalists have so far been enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), with an additional 50 expected to benefit in the coming weeks, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, has said.

Speaking on Saturday at the official launch of the free health insurance programme for journalists in the Federal Capital Territory, Fasawe called on political office holders, religious leaders and business executives to support media professionals by sponsoring health insurance coverage for them.

She said the initiative marks an important step toward improving access to healthcare for journalists working in Abuja.

Fasawe emphasised the importance of universal health coverage and reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to supporting journalists in the territory.

“Basic healthcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Health is a collective responsibility, and it must be achievable, affordable and accessible to all,” she said.

According to her, expanding health insurance coverage remains critical to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to essential medical services.

The Mandate Secretary also highlighted the commitment of the FCT Administration under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to addressing maternal and child mortality in the territory.

She said the administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward maternal deaths as part of its efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children.

“In the FCT, our minister has declared absolutely zero tolerance for maternal mortality. There is no reason a woman should labour in vain. There is no reason that at the point of delivery either the mother or the child should suffer harm,” she said.

Fasawe added that the FCT Administration would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare services while expanding access to quality medical care for residents of the capital territory.

The free health insurance scheme for journalists, she noted, forms part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to support professionals who play a key role in informing the public and strengthening democratic governance.

She disclosed that pregnant women, particularly vulnerable ones in the FCT, can access free antenatal care and delivery services, including caesarean sections, at primary healthcare centres across the territory.

“My purpose of coming here today is to ask political office holders, religious leaders and individuals who want their voices to be heard to buy health insurance for a journalist,” she added.

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“Buy health insurance for a member of the press today and you will be heard loud and clear, because you are supporting those who tell your stories to the public.”

National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that would improve healthcare access for journalists.

The NUJ President said studies indicate that less than one per cent of Nigerian journalists currently have any form of health insurance, stressing that the scheme would help address the gap.

“Insurance is critical to our job. Through insurance we can reduce maternal deaths, drastically cut out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and move closer to achieving universal health coverage,” Yahya said.

He also praised the leadership of the NUJ FCT Council under Grace Ike for what he described as a commendable initiative worthy of emulation.

Chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ, Comrade Grace Ike described the initiative as a historic milestone for the NUJ FCT Council and a major step towards safeguarding journalists who dedicate their lives to informing society.

She said “today marks a historic moment for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council. For the first time in the history of our council, we are flagging off a health insurance initiative specifically designed to support the welfare and wellbeing of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.”

She noted that journalists often serve as the first responders to national discourse by amplifying the voices of citizens and drawing attention to pressing societal issues, yet their welfare is frequently overlooked.

Ike expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., for supporting the programme and helping to initiate the health insurance scheme.

“Your belief that journalists deserve access to quality healthcare has translated into practical action, and we are deeply grateful for your support and advocacy.

“As journalists, we understand the power of information. When we experience the benefits of initiatives like this firsthand, we become stronger advocates for the people we serve,” she said.