Access to healthcare services in prisons

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The situation of access to healthcare services for people in prisons is grim. With less than two to three healthcare providers for every 200-300 people in prisons, the quality of treatment and care is undoubtedly low and inadequate, says Mr Boonniam Wongjaikam, a coordinator of the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group (TTAG). As a result the number of people in prisons requiring healthcare services is swelling unabatedly.

People living with HIV (PLHIV) in prisons are the worst affected as they require ongoing healthcare services that are not available in these settings. Screening for opportunistic infections like TB, and services to provide adequate and prompt treatment and care are simply not available. CD4 screening at regular intervals, essential services for PLHIV along with anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy is also not available. Although the Thai government has assured healthcare services for all under the national health scheme, these are not being made available inside prisons for people in need.

Some civil society organizations like the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group (TTAG) have stepped in to run mobile healthcare service cars to provide these services in prisons. These cars have facilities for HIV and TB testing but this is not enough to cater to the healthcare needs for all people in prisons. To provide adequate care requires a multi-sectoral response to meet the challenge of creating a comprehensive healthcare system in prisons.

The November NGO Forum will focus on health systems development for prisoners. The objectives of this forum are to learn about and exchange participants’ experience in working with people in prisons and how to do effective advocacy by using pilot area projects as models for other initiatives. The speakers at this month’s NGO Forum are: Mr Boonniam Wongjaikam, coordinator, TTAG; Mr Visanukorn Yasamood, nurse, Chiang Mai male prison; and Ms Namishin Jate, MAP Foundation. Mr Channarong Wongwichai from AIDSNet foundation will be the moderator of this month’s NGO Forum.

NGO FORUM DETAILS:

Topic: Access to healthcare services in prisons

Date: Tuesday, 25th November 2008

Time: 4.00 – 6.00 pm.

Venue: The HIV/AIDS Action Centre, HDN, 172/1, Kampangdin road, T Haiya, A Muang, Chiang Mai

The Action Centre Team would very much appreciate it if you could register in advance. Hand-outs and materials cannot be guaranteed for late or unregistered participants.

Please email actioncentre@hdnet.org for more information or Tel: 053-449055 ext 101.

Keywords: November NGO Forum Invitation