PRISON OUTBREAK

NEWS: India’s Overcrowded Jails as a Public Health Crisis

Core Issue

• Overcrowded prisons = major public health crisis

Key Facts

Jalpaiguri outbreak:

• 92 infected (HSV), 7 deaths
• Occupancy: 171% (Jalpaiguri), >400% (Kandi Sub-Jail)

Disease Burden

• TB risk = 5 times higher
• 30% inmates (Kerala) → skin diseases
• Higher HIV prevalence
• COVID-19 outbreaks in Nagpur & Indore

Structural Issues

• 43% vacancy in doctors
• Only 25 psychologists for 5.7 lakh inmates
• Poor: Ventilation, Screening, Hygiene

Causes

• Undertrial prisoners (majority)
• Judicial delays
• Limited bail usage

Solutions

• Medical screening
• Integrate with National Health Mission
• Fast-track undertrial cases

Improve:

• Ventilation
• Sanitation
• Promote non-custodial punishments