Jail inmates in MP to undergo health examination

Bhopal, July 20 (UNI) Jail inmates lodged in prisons in Madhya Pradesh would undergo health examination as part of a special drive aimed at reducing the number of sick prisoners.

The Madhya Pradesh Government has directed Director General (Prisons), Inspector General (Prisons), all divisional Commissioners and district Collectors to launch a special drive for carrying out health examination of all inmates lodged in jails and submit a report by August 15 in this regard through the Jail Head Quarter.

Under the directions, inmates suffering from tuberculosis will be identified and provided treatment through the DOT system in compliance with the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission.

It would also help in furnishing details in this regard sought by the High Court from time to time.

Under the rule 303 of MP Jail Manual, 1968, there was a provision for carrying out health examination of inmates on the day he is brought to the jail or the very next day, an official release said here yesterday.

In the wake of this provision, it was essential for the Health Department to extend its full cooperation in carrying out health examination of inmates under the special drive, as per the directions.

Active participation of all officials would be essential to make this drive a success.

Earlier, the MP Human Rights Commission had forwarded its recommendations to take necessary action in the death case of an inmate suffering from tuberculosis in the Indore jail.

Keeping this in view, directions had been issued to ensure health examination of inmates at the time of their entry into the jail as the inmates suffered mostly from tuberculosis.

Inmates suffering from the disease must be kept in separate ward.

The MPHRC had also recommended diagnosing the disease through X-ray, test of sputum and blood. Medical tests could be taken at the health centres under the direction of the District Health Officer, the released added.

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