There is just one pharmacist at the Faridpur district jail to serve 914 inmates, as the post of an assistant surgeon for the jail has remained vacant for long, because of the negligence of the authorities.
There are no physicians, no diagnostic centres or any other medical facilities inside the jail.
The Faridpur district jail was established in Jhiltuli on 34 acres of land in 1825.
A corrugated tin-shed room is there at the jail for providing medical services to its inmates, but it remains unfit for use.
Abdullah Al Mamun, supervisor of the jail, said there is a capacity for 420 inmates, but it currently counts well over double that – 897 male and 17 female inmates.
“If we find any prisoner sick, we used to take him/her to the Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College and Hospital. Besides, a physician has been appointed but he is not regular. A senior pharmacist is available to provide medical care to them,” he added.
Besides, three attendees are required with a patient when sent to the hospital outside the jail, hampering the normal activities of the jail due to a manpower crisis, said the supervisor.
Pharmacist Ashraful Alam, who is available at the jail for providing first aid, said a minimum of two to three physicians are needed for providing healthcare services to the inmates.
He also emphasized the need for a permanent hospital for medical care of the inmates alongside three to four nurses and a diagnostic centre.
According to district jail sources, some 1,050 inmates took healthcare services in the past three months and two inmates are undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College and Hospital and one died while undergoing treatment.
Many inmates from other jails adjacent to Faridpur also go there to avail medical treatment.
Kabirul Islam Siddique, jail inspector, said the prison is crammed and the number of inmates well over their capacity, which is a major problem.
“It is true that the inmates are suffering a lot due to the manifold crises but the authorities concerned should take measures in ensuring the medical services to the prison inmates," Siddique added.
District Magistrate Atul Sarka said a physician was attached to the jail and local administration also visited the jail regularly and inquired about the facilities of the inmates.
