They may be in jail but their healthcare is as important as any other person. This seems to be the message of Tihar Jail authorities who have launched a major drive to get health checkup done on its over 13,000 inmates. Named Chhupa Rustam, the general health checkup campaign was launched after it was detected that a large number of inmates suffer from hypertension.
The health camp was started in January and as many as 700 inmates have been checked up so far, Dr Sushrut, who is heading the health camp, said. “Out of them, a majority has been detected as patients of hypertension with irregular blood pressure,” he said.
Tests were also conducted for diabetes and the result is awaited for compilation of data, he said. To spread awareness about healthcare, nukkad nataks (street plays) and other performances were organised in the country’s largest prison where even some dreaded terrorists are lodged.
Explaining the reasons for such an outcome, the doctor said, “These people are not living an easy or normal life. They are away from their family, friends and some having been here for years or even a decade. Everyone is not strong enough to stand loneliness and tough prison regimen. These things affect one’s body and therefore, such irregularities are detected.”
Muktesh Prasad, Deputy Inspector General of Delhi Prisons, said the drive has been successful so far and will continue.“All inmates of Delhi prisons will undergo this health checkup. This is an important and ideal step taken by the jail administration to keep the inmates fit and healthy,” Prasad said. “Once done, the data for all inmates will be compiled and medication as prescribed by the doctors will be carried out for each inmate as per their requirement,” he said.