Weaning Prisoners Away From Drugs And HIV: Tough, But Possible.

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

The situation is really alarming .Undoubtedly, the prisons are overcrowded,

rooms are dingy not spacious with poor ventilation, poor light, sanitation not

well maintained, no scope for entertainment. There is a little interest for

vegetation inside the campus. The buildings of the prisons are old designed with

long corridors. The prisoners take bath and wash clothes in the open. Within the

four walls the environment is not conducive for living. The prison hospitals

still unable to handle such cases and refer cases to mental hospital. Again this

facility is not applicable for all prisons. Apathetic attitude of the prison

authorities only adds the problem. All these aggravate the conditions of the HIV

patients.

The prisoners who are using drugs are psychologically disturbed, frustrated,

traumatised, hopeless and helpless. They are the victims of the circumstances

that changed their behaviour. The prisoners need emotional support, empathy,

acceptance and inclusive environment.

It is good to learn that in the prisons yoga, meditation, art of living are

organised from time to time which helps in develop understanding among prisoners

broad attitudes towards life and values. But facilities are limited. It is a

long way to go to apply this in all the prisons.

There are ample opportunities to work for the prisoners. The time has come when

government should pay more attention to this reality and wake up with a good

public health policy clubbing AIDS with Hepatits B & C. The prison should be for

reformative steps.

Best wishes,

Soumendra Nath Ghosh

e-mail: <soum_ghosh2002@...>