The Kogi State Government has extended mobile medical services to inmates and personnel of the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre as part of efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of persons in correctional facilities across the state. This initiative was conducted by the Kogi State Ministry of Health, providing basic medical screening and other health services to 188 inmates and personnel.
The mobile medical team, led by Dr. Komolafe, deployed Portable Digital X-ray technology with Artificial Intelligence capability for screening of tuberculosis and other chest-related conditions. The team also collected various body samples from beneficiaries for more advanced laboratory investigations. This intervention was initiated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure that persons in correctional facilities have access to essential healthcare services.
The inmates and personnel of the Correctional Centre expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for extending the medical intervention to them. They described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and concern for their wellbeing. One of the inmates said, “I thought the world had forgotten me, but today Ododo has reminded me that I’m not forgotten.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, said Governor Ododo had expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the transformative reforms being undertaken in the nation’s correctional services. Ododo also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare, safety and dignity of persons in correctional facilities.
Dr. Abdulazeez commended Governor Ododo for the thoughtfulness behind the initiative and his concern for the health of inmates and correctional personnel. He praised the management and personnel of the Correctional Centre, as well as the inmates, for their warm reception and cooperation with the medical team throughout the exercise.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Health would sustain the intervention and extend similar medical services to other correctional facilities across the State. This initiative is consistent with the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening access to healthcare and ensuring that no category of people is excluded from essential health services in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government’s effort to provide healthcare services to inmates and personnel of correctional facilities reflects its commitment to the welfare and safety of all citizens. The exercise also highlights the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations.
Key points
- Kogi State Government extends mobile medical services to 188 inmates and personnel of Koton Karfe Correctional Centre
- The initiative aims to provide essential healthcare services to persons in correctional facilities across the state
- The Ministry of Health plans to sustain the intervention and extend similar medical services to other correctional facilities in Kogi State
