PESHAWAR: In a concerning development, it has been reported that 16 inmates at Central Jail Peshawar have tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Superintendent Waseem Khan confirmed that modern testing equipment was used to screen prisoners, revealing the presence of the virus among 16 individuals incarcerated at Peshawar Central Jail.
Notably, these affected prisoners are identified as drug addicts and have been segregated from the general population to contain the spread of the disease. The jail administration is diligently providing medical treatment and counseling to address their needs.
Out of a total of 3,400 inmates in the facility, 549 were subjected to HIV testing, resulting in the identification of 16 cases. This underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of prisoners within correctional facilities.
This development also brings to light broader concerns regarding the overcrowding and healthcare provisions in Pakistani prisons. A 2022 report by the Human Rights Commission (HRC) highlighted significant overcrowding issues at Adiala Jail, with the facility accommodating 180% more prisoners than its capacity. Shockingly, the report revealed the presence of at least 119 HIV-positive and 82 juvenile prisoners within the overcrowded confines of the jail.
Moreover, the inadequate healthcare infrastructure further exacerbates the challenges faced by inmates. With only one male doctor catering to the medical needs of over 5,800 male prisoners, the healthcare system is evidently strained beyond capacity. Additionally, allegations of corruption stemming from prolonged postings of certain officers raise serious concerns about governance and transparency within the prison administration.
Efforts to address these systemic issues are imperative to ensure the humane treatment and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, as well as to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks within prison facilities.
