Fasawe Launches Health Insurance For 65% Of FCT NUJ Members

Over 150 journalists in the nation’s capital have been successfully enrolled under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), marking a significant step toward improved healthcare access for media professionals in the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, championed by the Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Grace Ike, is part of the fulfillment of her campaign promises to prioritize the welfare of journalists in the territory.

Grace Ike assured members that she would not rest on her oars until all her campaign promises are fulfilled.

Speaking during the launch in Abuja, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized the importance of Universal Health Coverage and pledged continued support for journalists in the territory.

She added that the scheme has now added an additional 50 slots for journalists, bringing the total coverage to about 65 percent of NUJ members in the FCT under the health insurance programme.

She also noted that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has zero tolerance for maternal and child mortality and has put measures in place to ensure comprehensive healthcare services, including access to cesarean sections when necessary.

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

Also, the Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, said the programme aligns with the commitment of the present FCT Administration to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents.

The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, who commended the initiative, described it as a vital intervention that will significantly improve healthcare access for journalists.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke during the event commended the Grace Ike-led executive council for its proactive leadership and thanked the FCT Health Secretariat for providing journalists with the opportunity to benefit from the scheme.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace e