Almost three in four prison entrants reported being current smokers, according to a recent report that highlights the alarming state of prisoner health and calls for urgent actions. The findings, consistent with previous reports, shed light on the high health needs of people in custody.
Experts who have worked in prisons and researched prisoner health for decades are not surprised by these grim findings. They emphasize the importance of not losing sight of the health needs of individuals in prison, even while they are incarcerated.
The report reveals that many people in prison are on remand pending trial, and once sentenced, most spend relatively short periods behind bars, especially for low or medium-risk offenses. However, a significant proportion of individuals cycle back into prison after release, magnifying the lack of continuity in their healthcare between prison and the community. These system failures perpetuate disadvantage and negatively impact the entire community.
Several factors contribute to the poor health outcomes experienced by prison entrants. Many individuals lack education, live in poverty, come from families with a history of incarceration, and have experienced homelessness. They are also more likely to possess limited employment skills, have a history of child abuse, and belong to the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, which generally faces worse health outcomes.
Disturbingly, recent evidence suggests that many people in prison have lower levels of health literacy compared to the general community. This means they may struggle to access, understand, and utilize health information effectively to make informed decisions.
The interconnectedness of prisons with the broader community emphasizes the need for improved healthcare for people in prison, as well as seamless continuity of care as they transition back into society. By investing in the health of prisoners early on, significant costs can be saved in the long run, benefiting taxpayers and enhancing public safety.
The current state of the Australian prison healthcare system is fundamentally flawed. While all other Australians have access to federal funding through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), prison health services rely solely on state government funding. This equity imbalance, coupled with systemic issues, perpetuates the disadvantage experienced in prison healthcare.
Furthermore, in certain states, the responsibility for prisoner health care lies with the department of justice instead of the department of health. This fragmentation often leads to a breakdown in integrated service planning and delivery, which should encompass prisoner healthcare, healthcare upon release, and ongoing community care.
To address these challenges, experts emphasize the significance of boosting health literacy among people in prison. This includes enhancing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills related to health. Equipping inmates with the necessary tools to actively participate in their health and wellbeing can make a substantial difference.
While correctional health services play a crucial role and receive positive feedback, they alone cannot overcome systemic issues. A comprehensive approach that addresses health literacy, prevention of health problems, and continuity of care upon release is essential.
It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to reassess and prioritize prisoner health. By targeting health care and health literacy among people entering prisons, their overall well-being can be enhanced, ensuring continuity of care and better health outcomes upon release.
By acknowledging prisons as part of the larger community and implementing effective interventions, we have an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of individuals in custody, reduce costs associated with healthcare, and strengthen public safety. Urgent actions must be taken to create a more equitable and cohesive healthcare system that supports prisoners’ physical and mental health needs.
