The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to improve medical services in correctional facilities across the country, a move aimed at strengthening correctional centres healthcare and addressing the shortage of medical personnel in custodial institutions.
Titansloaded reports that the approval was disclosed by the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, who said the decision forms part of ongoing reforms targeted at improving the welfare and healthcare of inmates nationwide.
According to Nwakuche, many custodial facilities currently struggle with inadequate healthcare staff, making it difficult to provide timely medical attention to inmates. The recruitment of additional doctors and nurses is expected to significantly enhance the quality of correctional centres healthcare, ensuring that inmates receive proper medical care and treatment when needed.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reform the correctional system, focusing on improved rehabilitation programmes, better living conditions, and strengthened health services within correctional facilities.
The acting controller-general further noted that the deployment of medical professionals will help correctional authorities respond more effectively to medical emergencies and manage health-related issues among inmates.
Experts say the move could also help correctional facilities meet acceptable healthcare standards and improve the overall management of inmate health across Nigeria.
