THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON:
RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT
Safety Concerns (Q: c101)
3.96 48 per cent (23 staff) expressed concern about their safety while treating
prisoners.
Part III: Qualitative Research and Analysis
Understanding of Human Rights by Medical Staff (Q: a102)
3.97 With regard to their understanding of the right to health, 60 per cent (29
staff) defined this right as prisoners having unlimited access to healthcare
services, notwithstanding their nationality; 15 per cent (7 staff) defined the
right to health as access to proper treatment for sick prisoners only.
Other Suggestions (Q: b and c103)
3.98 96 per cent (46 staff) suggested the need to re-stock medicines, to refer
prisoners to the nearest hospital for treatment, to contact vector control
units, to have diets suitable for certain categories of prisoners and support
for parole applications.
3.99 44 per cent (21 staff) felt that their suggestions are readily accepted by the
Prisons Department, while 42 per cent (20 staff) felt otherwise.
3.100 46 per cent (22 staff) suggested an upgrade to the medicinal, equipment
and human resources in the prison’s clinic.
3.101 10 per cent (5 staff) felt that there was a need to improve prison management
in terms of health care; 8 per cent (4 staff) thought that the Ministry of
Health should be actively involved in the delivery of healthcare in prison,
while 8 per cent (4 staff) suggested to prioritize training on prison health
for medical staff.
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 The answer were given either shortage of manpower, shortage of medicines, outdated medical equipment,
time constraint, security, or others.
102
Refer to Question a (Part III). The respondents were asked regarding on their understanding of concept of right to health
in prison.
103
Refer to Question b and c (Part III). The respondent were asked for their suggestion to improve current healthcare system
in Malaysia.
101
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