HIV screening conducted in jail
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 26 2013:
Two inmates of Manipur central Jail, Sajiwa have been detected with HIV infection as awareness programmes and random screening continue to be carried out on the prisoners by the jail authorities.
According to Superintendent of Police (Jail) IK Muivah the first case was detected on a female inmate when an awareness cum screening test was conducted in collaboration with NGOs on February 14, 2012 .
He informed that a total of 35 inmates were covered during last year's screening test with the second case on a male prisoner reportedly detected at another similar programme held recently (Feb 13, 2013) .
According to the SP, ongoing HIV/AIDS campaign inside the prison also helped a female inmate recover from possible mental trauma on being medically confirmed that she had no HIV infection.
It is said that the woman and her husband were sent to jail together in a particular case in November last year.
As the husband confessed to the police at the time of arrest that he was HIV positive the information shocked his pregnant wife and apprehensive that she too might be infected insisted on terminating the unborn child.
Consequent to the woman developing health problems, jail authorities arranged for her treatment along with blood testing for confirming HIV/AIDS status during which it came to light that she was free from HIV infection, recounted IK Muivah adding that the woman eventually decided to abort the idea of abortion.
Informing that based on gravity of the health condition all jail inmates are provided necessary treatment, the SP also cautioned that abortion being an illegal activity and punishable under IPC Section 312 pregnant female inmates are advised against abortion.
Further conveying that prison inmates on ART treatment are allowed to continue with the medication course in case they could furnish relevant document (card), he affirmed that along with awareness campaigns NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS are intimated to join in the observance of various events such as World AIDS Day, International Candle Light Memorial Day etc, to encourage the inmates stay away from drugs when they leave the prison centre.