LHC seeks report on doctors, medical facilities in Punjab jails

Justice Rehman issues directive after inmate seeking bail on medical grounds dies owing to lack of care in prison.

The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the Punjab government to submit a detailed report about doctors appointed in hospitals of all jails in the province and the health facilities being provided to inmates.

Justice Ibadur Rehman issued this direction during the hearing of a petition filed by Kot Lakhpat prison inmate Imtiaz for bail citing medical grounds.

The petitioner’s counsel, however, told the court that his client had died due to the unavailability of proper medical care in the jail’s hospital.

Justice Rehman expressed his dismay over the substandard health facilities in prisons and sought a comprehensive report to make further inquiry in the matter.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the petition for two weeks.