Over 150 Adiala Jail inmates diagnosed with Hepatitis B, C

Around 2,540 prisoners undergo blood screening, subsequently, treatment has been initiated

RAWALPINDI: As many as 157 prisoners have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B and C in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, however, no cases of HIV/Aids were found during an over two-week-long medical screening camp.

Around 2,540 prisoners underwent the blood screening during which 157 cases of Hepatitis C and 11 cases of Hepatitis B were detected. The District Health Authority (DHA) organised the medical camp in the Rawalpindi prison from July 8 to 24.

According to officials, the medical treatment of those diagnosed with Hepatitis C have already been initiated and the prisoners will not be prescribed traditional injection course, instead three-month course of special tablets will be given to treat the disease.

Considering a grave situation, the screening camp had been extended for 10 more days and jail authorities were advised to provide clean drinking water and hygienic food to the inmates to avoid the epidemic.

The medical report of prisoners have been sent to the Punjab health department and Inspector General of Prisons.

Earlier this week, DHA CEO Dr Rashid Khan said that all blood tests including Hepatitis of prisoners had been carried out with medical consultation, examination, vaccination and treatment were also being provided free of charges.