QUETTA: Health screening in Balochistan’s prisons has revealed that 258 inmates are suffering from serious infectious diseases, including Tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, and Hepatitis.
According to a report from the health department, medical check-ups were conducted on 2,954 prisoners across 12 jails in the province. The breakdown shows 126 inmates have TB, 6 have HIV/AIDS, 45 have Hepatitis B, and 81 have Hepatitis C.
Central Jail Mach was found to be the most affected, with 88 identified patients.
Officials from the prison department have stated that with the screening complete, they will now begin treating the sick prisoners in collaboration with the health department.
Also read: Balochistan govt launches province-wide health screening program for prisoners
The Government of Balochistan has announced a province-wide health screening program for prisoners, covering TB, Hepatitis, and AIDS.
According to details, the decision was taken to safeguard inmates and prison staff while curbing the spread of infectious diseases. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting of the Balochistan TB Control Program, attended by senior health experts including Dr. Sher Afzal Raisani, Dr. Sareen Nosherwani, Dr. Amir Ali Bugti, Dr. Aimal Khan, Dr. Muhammad Shahid Tareen, and Dr. Dawood Achakzai.
The health experts emphasized the importance of a comprehensive health strategy in prisons to ensure early detection and timely treatment of life-threatening illnesses.
They said that the program will play a vital role in reducing the disease burden in Balochistan and aligns with the government’s vision of improving public health services across the province.
