Firm wants to insure staff, inmates

 An insurance company is proposing to insure Correctional Service staff and prisoners.

Southern Cross Assurance Ltd general manager Lohia Samuel said health, medical and death insurance would be covered under the Correctional Service Family Protection Insurance Plan for CS officers.

He said it was a comprehensive proposal that would address the needs of CS officers and prisoners needing medical treatment. 

CS Commissioner Michael Waipo thanked the company for researching and designing the plan to cover officers and prisoners. 

“It is a very unique package with the inclusion of prisoners,” he said.

“Before we take the next step in sourcing funding, we have to enter into some sort of arrangements like this.” 

Waipo said the proposal would be given to the CS minister to present to Cabinet. 

“It is a good guarantee for officers to have insurance cover,” Waipo said. Under the proposal, the department will meet 70 per cent of the cost of premiums.