There is just one pharmacist at Faridpur district jail to serve 914 inmates, as the post of an assistant surgeon for the jail remains vacant for long, thanks to the negligence of the authorities.
There are no physicians, no diagnostic centre or any other medical facilities inside the jail.
In 1825, Faridpur district jail was established at Jhiltuli on 34 acres of land.
A corrugated tin-shed room is available at the jail for providing medical services to the jail inmates, but it remains unfit for use.
Abdullah Al Mamun, the supervisor of Faridpur Jail, said there is a capacity of 420 inmates, but it currently counts well over double that: 897 male and 17 female inmates. The post of assistant surgeon has remained vacant for a long period of time.
“If we find any prisoner sick, we used to take him/her to the Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College and Hospital. Besides, a physician has been appointed but he is not regular. A senior pharmacist is available to provide medical care to them,” he said.
Besides, three attendees are required with a patient when sent to the hospital outside the jail, hampering the normal activities of the jail due to the manpower crisis, said Al Mamun.
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Pharmacist Ashraful Alam, who is available at the jail for providing first aid, said minimum 2-3 physicians are needed for providing healthcare services to the jail inmates.
He also stressed the need for a permanent hospital for medical care of the inmates alongside 3-4 nurses and a diagnostic center.
According to the district jail sources, some 1050 jail inmates took healthcare services in the past three months and two inmates are undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College and hospital and one died while undergoing treatment.
Many jail inmates from other jails adjacent to Faridpur district also came here to avail medical treatment.
Kabirul Islam Siddique, jail inspector of Faridpur jail, said the prison is crammed and the number of inmates well over their capacity, is a major problem.
“It is true that the inmates are suffering a lot due to the manifold crises but the authorities concerned should take measures in ensuring the medical services to the prison inmates,” Siddique said.
District Magistrate Atul Sarka said a physician was attached to the jail and local administration also visited the jail regularly and inquired about the facilities of the inmates.
Source: United News of Bangladesh