Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the enrollment of inmates in correctional facilities across the state into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), granting them access to free and comprehensive medical care.
The governor, in a statement on Tuesday, said the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and respect for human dignity. He stressed that inmates, despite their circumstances, are citizens entitled to quality healthcare, adding that the scheme will cover routine medical checks, treatments, and emergency services.
Governor Adeleke explained that the policy was designed to strengthen correctional reforms in the state, improve living conditions behind bars, and support the rehabilitation process of inmates for a healthier reintegration into society.
The Osun Ministry of Health and the Osun Health Insurance Agency have been directed to work in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure smooth registration and effective implementation of the scheme.
Health experts and rights advocates have applauded the move, describing it as a progressive step toward upholding the rights of inmates and aligning with global best practices in prison management.