PM directs provision of quality healthcare and sanitation in prisons

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday instructed Punjab authorities to create a plan to establish hospitals in prisons to provide medical treatment to inmates and improve sanitation services. During a visit to Kot Lakhpat Jail to celebrate Eidul Fitr, the premier urged the Chief Secretary to prepare a proposal for a prison hospital within a week. PM Shehbaz expressed his belief that this plan could be extended nationwide if successful. He noted that denying prisoners access to adequate medical and sanitation facilities is an act of injustice, regardless of the nature of their crime. During his visit, Shehbaz held meetings with the Punjab Chief Secretary, IG Prisons, and the Jail Superintendent to discuss the issues faced by prisoners. Read more: President Alvi approves remission for prisoners on Eidul Fitr Expressing his concern over the deplorable condition of toilets in most jails, the premier emphasised the need to improve sanitation facilities, as inadequate toilets and sanitation could lead to the spread of diseases. The prime minister further noted that there were currently approximately 8,000 prisoners in two Lahore jails and lamented that it takes months for sick prisoners to receive the necessary medical tests, causing their health to deteriorate. He also called for operationalisation of the basic health equipment available in the jail and instructed that the treatment process should be made easy and transparent. In addition to calling for improved medical and sanitation facilities, PM Shehbaz also instructed authorities to provide vocational training to prisoners, with the aim of making them productive citizens and enabling them to earn a livelihood after their release. He emphasised the need for measures to facilitate the release of those who have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated due to a lack of financial resources. The prime minister urged the superior judiciary to address the plight of suffering prisoners and called for collective action and wisdom to overcome the challenges facing the country, setting aside personal interests. During his visit, the prime minister also listened to the grievances of the prisoners and instructed relevant authorities to take up their cases with the appropriate ministries and institutions. https://ift.tt/yBmhLNr      

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