Prisons in Andhra Pradesh, where many prisoners have died of health-related problems, do not have the requisite number of health professionals as prescribed by the All-India Committee on Prison Reforms

A journalistic investigation of deaths in 143 jails across Andhra Pradesh shows a high number of deaths due to ill health while in custody. As many as 722 prisoners have died due to ill health since 2002. 

Thirty-four prisoners died in the first quarter of 2008 alone; surprisingly, most of them were young men in the age-group 27-35. Prison authorities cite cardiac problems, jaundice, tuberculosis and HIV as the cause of death. The large number of deaths raises questions about whether prisoners receive the healthcare they are entitled to.

According to the recommendations of the All-India Committee on Prison Reforms, three medical officers have to be available for every 1,000 prisoners, and one lady doctor for 25 women prisoners. While there are four sanctioned posts for deputy civil surgeons, one remains vacant. Seven of the 26 sanctioned posts for civil assistant surgeons are vacant as also the sole post of civil surgeon. Six of the 32 sanctioned pharmacist posts are vacant, five of the eight staff nurse posts, two of the six pathologist posts, a similar number for lab technicians, and the dental assistant surgeon’s post is also vacant.

Although the All-India Committee on Prison Reforms recommends that all prisons should have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists, the investigation shows that these services are unavailable to prisoners. On average, the number of people entering or leaving jail is around 2 lakh each year. The official explanation for this sorry state of affairs is: “We have doctors, but as per guidelines we cannot medically examine any prisoner unless he gives his consent.”

Source: www.newindpress.com, May 24, 2008