Certainly! Here’s the revised response:
Courts cannot allow an inadequate prison healthcare system to violate an inmate’s right to timely medical care, the Delhi High Court held while directing the city government to ensure that proper medical infrastructure is maintained in jails here.
The Delhi High Court has emphasized the importance of protecting inmates’ rights to timely medical care while addressing the issue of an inadequate prison healthcare system. In its recent ruling, the court directed the city government to take responsibility for the management and maintenance of prison premises and ensure that the healthcare requirements of jail inmates are met.
To address the shortcomings in healthcare facilities, the court has directed the secretary of the Delhi government’s health and family welfare department to form a committee consisting of various stakeholders. This committee will provide suggestions within one month on improving healthcare facilities in prisons and promoting equal healthcare for all prisoners.
One of the key concerns highlighted in the court’s ruling is the lack of adequate medical infrastructure in prisons, which has a direct impact on the health of inmates. The absence of essential equipment, such as physiotherapy equipment, has raised serious doubts about the standard of medical treatment available to prisoners.
The court firmly stated that the fundamental right to healthcare cannot be neglected or surrendered by prisoners. They retain their human rights, which should be acknowledged by every court of law and the State. Inadequate prison healthcare systems must not be allowed to compromise prisoners’ right to timely and adequate medical care.
Recognizing the challenges faced by jail authorities in providing advanced medical equipment within the prison premises, the court emphasized the need to ensure a high attainable standard of healthcare in prisons. It also instructed doctors in charge of jail dispensaries to furnish the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) with a list of essential medical equipment required for inmate care.
The court’s ruling also addressed the specific case of businessman Amandeep Singh Dhall, who had filed applications seeking interim bail on medical grounds. The court directed his admission to Safdarjung Hospital, a referral hospital as per the Jail Referral Policy, for two weeks. However, he will remain in judicial custody, with appropriate security provided at the hospital.
The court’s ruling highlights the critical issue of inadequate healthcare in prisons and the dire need for improvement. By addressing these concerns, the court aims to ensure that inmates receive the necessary medical care and that their rights are protected. The court’s decision sets an important precedent in safeguarding the health and well-being of prisoners.
