FCT Broadens Health Insurance for Journalists

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has significantly expanded health insurance coverage for journalists in Abuja, bringing approximately 480 media professionals under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The initiative, launched for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, marks a major milestone in prioritising the welfare of media practitioners in the territory.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, officially announced the expansion during the launch ceremony yesterday. She emphasised that accessible healthcare is essential for journalists, who often operate under stressful conditions, and urged philanthropists, political leaders, religious figures, and business executives to sponsor health insurance for media personnel.

“Basic healthcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Dr. Fasawe stated. “Health is a collective responsibility and must be achievable, affordable, and accessible to all.” She also revealed that an additional 50 health insurance slots have been allocated for journalists, further widening access to medical services within the FCT media community.

Currently, about 480 out of an estimated 800 journalists in the FCT are covered under the scheme. Dr. Fasawe expressed optimism that the initiative would soon achieve full coverage, stressing that political and social stakeholders could support the cause by sponsoring insurance for individual journalists.

“Buy health insurance for a member of the press today, and you will be heard loud and clear,” she remarked. “Supporting journalists is supporting the voices that tell your stories to the public.”

The FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has reiterated its commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in tackling maternal and child mortality. Pregnant women, especially vulnerable populations in the FCT, are eligible for free antenatal care and delivery services, including caesarean sections, at primary healthcare centres across the territory.

The NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, described the initiative as historic. She applauded Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, for his support, as well as the FCT Health Secretariat for providing 150 free health insurance slots. The Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, pledged an additional 50 slots in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali. Combined, these contributions have enabled around 200 journalists to benefit directly from the programme.

National NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya hailed the initiative as a crucial intervention. He highlighted that fewer than one per cent of Nigerian journalists currently have any form of health insurance, making the FCT programme a model for other states to emulate.

The launch, held during the NUJ FCT Congress, drew over 450 members and included key stakeholders such as Dr. Salamatu Belgore, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme.

Journalists Covered Under FHIS

The scheme represents a historic effort to strengthen healthcare access and overall welfare for media professionals, ensuring that those who inform the public are themselves adequately cared for.