District Collectors to

Bhopal, May 22 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary R C Sahni has issued directions to district collectors to make health check-up drive for prisoners a success in their respective districts.

The collectors have been asked to convene a meeting of jail superintendents and chief medical officers for proper coordination to ensure its successful implementation. Mr Sahni has directed the Principal Secretary (Jails) and the Director General of Jails to review progress of the drive and send a report by June 10, an official release said here today.

The Chief Secretary said directives had been issued for health check-up of prisoners, particularly to control TB among them, following the state High Court's order and the Human Rights Commission's recommendation.

The Jail and Health departments had also issued directions in this regard.

Mr Sahni pointed out that health check-up drives were conducted in jails in 2005 and 2006.

Though the number of prisoners had increased by six per cent in the past two years, the death rate of prisoners had fallen considerably during the period. The health status of prisoners had also improved during the period.

He said health check-up drive for this year was in progress since May 1, the release added.

UNI