THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT Objectives of the National Survey on the Right to Health in Prison 1.14 The Right to Health in Prison thematic study consisted of a nationwide survey of the prison population developed and conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) with the aim to improve overall understanding of the extent of the health needs among Malaysia’s prisoners, and to advice and assess the planning, delivery and quality of health care and health services in prison. 1.15 The purpose of the survey was to support the Malaysian prison authorities and Government in improving public health by first assessing the health situation and health care in prisons; as well as to strengthen the protection of human rights in prison, with a view to improving the provision of health care in all correctional institutions in the country. 1.16 The Commission takes the view that the purpose of prison is to prepare prisoners for release as productive and law-abiding individuals. Towards this aim, there must be a complete eradication of cruel, inhuman, and degrading prison conditions. 1.17 The Commission’s objectives are summarised as follows: (i) To improve overall understanding of the extent of the health needs among Malaysia’s prisoners. (ii) To support the prison authorities and Government in improving public health by first addressing the health situation and health care in prisons. (iii) To strengthen respect for human rights and to improve the provision of health care in prisons. (iv) To identify steps that the prison authorities can take to reduce public health risks from imprisonment. (v) To promote the health of prisoners, as well as prison staff and their families. (vi) To work towards ensuring that the prison condition in Malaysia are constitutional and consistent with health, safety, and human dignity in order to achieve a criminal justice system that respects individual rights. 5