Public Health Crisis in India's Prisons

The public health crisis within India's prison system is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and neglect in addressing health issues until they become critical. Inmates retain their right to health, a principle upheld by the courts, yet systemic issues persist.

Case Study: Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home

• Between August 20, 2025, and March 9, 2026, 92 inmates were infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), resulting in seven deaths.
• High occupancy rate of 171% hindered effective hygiene and isolation practices.

Occupancy and Overcrowding Issues

• Prison occupancy rates in West Bengal exceed 160%.
• Example: Kandi Sub-Jail had occupancy over 400% historically.
• Overcrowding impacts health, with 30% of inmates in Kerala suffering from skin diseases in 2023.

Tuberculosis and Other Health Concerns

• Prisoners are five times more likely to develop tuberculosis (TB).
• Unventilated environments facilitate TB spread; screening camps were ordered by the Home Ministry in 2025.
• COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in Nagpur and Indore central jails.
• HIV prevalence among inmates is higher due to shared equipment and inadequate entry screening.

Healthcare Personnel Shortages

• 43% vacancy rate for medical officers leads to inadequate inmate-doctor ratio.
• Only 25 psychologists available for 5.7 lakh inmates.

Recommendations and Reforms

• Integrate prisons into the National Health Mission for better outbreak management.
• Ensure compliance with the Model Prison Manual standards uniformly across states.
• Judiciary to fast-track undertrial cases and utilize non-custodial alternatives.
• Release of undertrials to alleviate overcrowding was practiced in West Bengal in 2020.