THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT Availability of Medical Staff (Q: c99) 3.90 Fifty-six (56) per cent (27 staff) were concerned about the shortage of medical staff in prison while 35 per cent (17 staff) complained of time constraints, possibly due to a lack of physicians. 3.91 At the time of the survey, prison healthcare was completely managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry allocates a budget to hire doctors on contract; most of whom are not trained on the management of patients (prisoners) in prison. 3.92 Thirty-five (35) per cent (17 staff) were of the opinion that the Ministry of Health are equipped with the necessary expertise on healthcare in prison, while 10 per cent (5 staff) were of the view that the Ministry of Health was responsible for every aspect of healthcare delivery in the country, including in prison.100 3.93 Healthcare in prisons, though largely depends on the Ministry of Home Affairs, has significantly improved, particularly in the management of diseases. This is possibly due to the Ministry of Health providing medical doctors to replace doctors on contract / panel doctors. 3.94 This in the Commission’s view is an important step that should be combined with a thorough rehabilitation of the healthcare services and infrastructure in prisons, including the establishment of a laboratory and mobile radiographic facilities, and the involvement of specialist doctors in the treatment of mental and psychiatric conditions. 3.95 The Commission is also of the view that mobile x-ray machines in prison (with Radiographers) provides a means of saving cost and time spent to take prisoners to emergency rooms, in addition to enhancing security. Further, x-ray services in prison can help weak prisoners (patients) avoid challenging and potentially risky trips to hospitals as well as to enable onsite diagnosis of TB. Refer to Question c (Part II). The respondent were asked on the limitation in prison face by medical practitioner related on healthcare system. The answer were given either shortage of manpower, shortage of medicines, out-dated medical equipment, time constraint, security, or others. 100 Refer to Question g and h. The respondents were asked regarding on Ministry of Health’s function to improve healthcare system in prison. This is an open question. 99 60