HYDERABAD: More than half the inmates lodged in Telangana prisons suffer from chronic ailments, including blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy and kidney-related diseases, according to the Prisons Department's latest annual report.
The report said the state's jails currently house 5,856 inmates, including convicts and undertrials. Of them, 1,225 inmates have blood pressure and 1,461 have diabetes, taking the combined total to 2,686.
Surgeries, health camps held across prisons
Epilepsy affects 891 inmates, while others suffer from kidney stones, cardiac ailments, hernia, appendicitis and eye and ear disorders. During the last year, 379 inmates underwent surgeries for various medical conditions.
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The department also facilitated surgeries for 17 pregnant inmates and said special care was being taken of women prisoners during pregnancy. Doctors have been posted at central and district jails, and detailed health records are being maintained for every inmate following mandatory medical screening at admission.
Officials spent ₹11.59 lakh last year on medicines required for cardiac procedures, including 18 heart surgeries, the report said.
Life convicts most affected, says Prisons DG
Life convicts account for a large share of inmates suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, heart-related ailments and skin diseases, which officials attributed partly to prolonged incarceration and mental stress.
To address health concerns, the department conducted 13 health camps, made yoga mandatory for inmates and arranged dialysis for two prisoners. Inmates are also being shifted to Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General Hospital for specialised treatment when basic facilities are not available in prisons.
Prisons Director General Soumya Mishra said health camps were being organised twice a week and comprehensive health records were maintained to ensure continuous monitoring of inmates' medical conditions.
Inmates with health conditions in Telangana jails
| Ailment | Number of inmates |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | 1,225 |
| Diabetes | 1,461 |
| Epilepsy | 891 |
| Dental treatment | 161 |
| Kidney stones | 56 |
| Heart surgeries | 18 |
| Appendicitis surgeries | 20 |
| Hernia surgeries | 05 |
