200 prisoners benefit from free medical camp

A free medical camp was oranised for the inmates of Mangalore jail on Sunday by the Mangalore unit of Prison Ministry India (PMI), the national voluntary organisation, which has been working for the release and rehabilitation of prisoners. 

Speaking after inaugurating the camp, KMC Assistant Manager Jayaram said that it was an opportunity for the doctors to serve the inmates of Mangalore prison.

Jail Superintendent P S Ambekar thanked the PMI for organising a camp as many inmates badly need treatment for various diseases. “As there are not enough staff in the police dpeartment to escort the prisoners to hospital, such a camp was very much essential and would help a lot to the inmates, who are suffering from various diseases, especially skin related problems.”

Presiding over the inaugural programme, PMI Mangalore unit Head Fr Elias D’Souza said that the camp was organised after the PMI learnt that there was a need for such a camp. “The PMI organises camps such as skin camp, dental camp and general check up camp for the benefit of prisoners depending on their demand,” he said.

Nearly 200 prisoners including 11 women were treated for various diseases including skin, ENT, orthopaedic and eye related problems. A total of 26 prisoners were also given spectacles. A majority of prisoners are suffering from skin related problems, perhaps due to contaminated water, said a doctor.

The Mangalore unit of the PMI was established on September 11, 1999 and the volunteers regularly visit the District Prison located near Canara College on Fridays, distribute books, magazines and other recreational facilities like carrom boards and Ludo, besides listening to the prisoners’ woes.