Inmates at the Arghakhanchi Jail are compelled to visit the district hospital even for general health check-ups and treatment. Although there is a sanctioned post for a health worker, the position has remained vacant for the past five to six years, depriving inmates of access to basic healthcare services within the jail itself.
At present, inmates have to be taken to the district hospital even for common health problems such as colds, coughs, and headaches. Complaints have been raised that, despite repeated calls to ensure the health rights of inmates, the concerned authorities have failed to pay attention. It has been stated that there has been no concern or inquiry into why the sanctioned health worker position has remained vacant despite its approval.
The jail, which has a capacity of 150 inmates, including 25 women and 125 men, currently houses 87 inmates. Among them, 81 are men, and six are women. Of the total inmates, the cases of 82 have already been decided, while the cases of five detainees are still under judicial consideration.
There are 11 senior citizens in the prison, including one woman and 10 men. A total of 25 inmates regularly take medication for diabetes and high blood pressure, while one inmate has been reported to be regularly taking medication for depression. No dependent children are living in the jail.
Detainees and inmates in both the women’s and men’s wards have arranged a collective meal system by operating a mess through mutual agreement. Inmates who have received skill development training have also been engaged in weaving stools and bags.
Ganesh Bhusal, the inmate leader, informed that facilities for sanitation, drinking and bathing water, sports materials, and books and newspapers are available inside the jail.
Assistant Ramesh Bhattarai of the jail office stated that whenever inmates develop health problems, they are regularly taken to the district hospital under security arrangements, and when necessary, they are referred to provincial and federal hospitals for treatment.
Concerned stakeholders have demanded the immediate appointment of a health worker at the jail, stating that inmates have been facing difficulties in accessing basic healthcare services due to the shortage of health personnel.