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Court issued these comprehensive directions while addressing a plea from Amandeep Singh Dhall, an accused in the Delhi excise policy case, seeking interim bail. Dhall, who recently underwent medical procedures, was not receiving the necessary physiotherapy sessions due to the of facilities in the jail hospital
In response to concerns over inadequate healthcare facilities in Delhi's prisons, the Delhi High Court has constituted a committee, headed by the Delhi health secretary, to propose improvements.
Comprising members such as the Director General of Prisons, the Chief Medical Officer of Delhi Prisons, senior judges from district courts, and representatives from the legal fraternity, the committee is tasked with presenting recommendations within one month.
The committee's mandate includes suggesting ways to enhance healthcare facilities and ensure equal healthcare for all prisoners. Specifically, it is directed to assess the availability of emergency medical capabilities in jail hospitals to address situations like cardiac arrest and hemorrhages.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued the directive, instructing the Home Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare of the Delhi government to guarantee the healthcare needs of prison inmates and uphold infrastructure standards.
Furthermore, the doctors in charge of jail dispensaries are required to submit a list of requirements to Chief Medical Officers weekly. These officers will then communicate the needs to the Director General of Prisons, who will, in turn, inform the visiting judicial officer. The report will also be furnished to the Secretary (Home).
Addressing the urgent issues highlighted in the report, the court emphasized that necessary supplies, equipment, and medicines must be provided within two days. It underscored the importance of repairing or substituting malfunctioning medical equipment promptly.
"The state government has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that the healthcare needs of inmates are met with the same diligence and commitment as any other citizen," the court said.
Justice Sharma issued these comprehensive directions while addressing a plea from Amandeep Singh Dhall, an accused in a Delhi excise policy case, seeking interim bail. Dhall, who recently underwent medical procedures, was not receiving the necessary physiotherapy sessions due to the lack of facilities in the jail hospital.
While the court did not grant interim bail to Dhall, it ordered his admission to Safdarjung Hospital for proper treatment, emphasizing that the health of prisoners, both convicts and under-trials, is a crucial aspect that deserves attention and humane treatment.
Case Title: Mr. Amandeep Singh Dhall v. Directorate of Enforcement
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