The inmates in the district jail are facing significant challenges in receiving medical treatments due to the lack of health workers in the jail. Although there is a sanctioned post for one health assistant, it has not been filled, resulting in problems with regular health check-ups and treatment when inmates fall ill, according to District Prison Chief Gunbahadur Jirel.
Jirel stated that, while there is already pressure from overcrowding in the jail, the lack of regular health check-ups and the need to take the inmates to external hospitals has added to the challenges. The district jail having a capacity of 51 inmates currently houses 111 male convicts and 39 detainees. Due to the absence of a separate women’s cell, female inmates are being transferred to other districts.
Chief Jirel informed that 20 inmates in the prison require regular medication, and their health needs to be monitored continuously. Although repeated correspondence has been made with the concerned authorities for the appointment of health workers, there has been no response so far.