February 18, Colombo (LNW): An alarming revelation has come to light regarding the burgeoning overcrowding crisis at the prison hospital, prompting serious apprehensions among supervisory authorities.
The current inmate population at the facility has surged to 350 individuals, significantly surpassing its intended capacity of 185, Prisons Department Spokesperson Gamini Dissanayake told Daily Mirror.
This surge in occupancy has raised significant concerns among the authorities tasked with overseeing the well-being and healthcare provisions within the prison system.
Measures are currently being implemented to address the escalating congestion, as the situation demands urgent attention and intervention.
Despite the pressing need to alleviate overcrowding, Dissanayake clarified that expanding the hospital’s capacity is not a feasible solution at present. However, efforts are being directed towards easing congestion through the timely discharge of patients, thereby creating space for incoming individuals in need of medical attention.
Reports indicate that the severity of the situation has compelled authorities to resort to accommodating two patients in a single bed, underscoring the acute shortage of available space within the facility.
Such measures, despite being temporary, highlight the dire circumstances confronting the prison healthcare system and the imperative need for swift and effective resolutions.
The overcrowding crisis at the prison hospital not only poses significant challenges in terms of patient care and hygiene but also raises broader concerns regarding the overall management and resource allocation within the penal system.
As authorities navigate this critical juncture, concerted efforts are required to address the underlying issues contributing to overcrowding and ensure the provision of adequate healthcare services to incarcerated individuals in adherence to fundamental principles of human rights and dignity.
