OVER 800 INMATES BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL CARE

By Nicholas Kigondu

Over 800 inmates at the Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security prison received free medical services over the weekend courtesy of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Kenya.

The medical outreach saw the inmates receive healthcare services that included specialized clinics in general medicine, dermatology, optical and dental services.

According to Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, the exercise was part of ongoing systemic reforms within the correctional system, that involves establishing tangible and impactful partnerships with stakeholders to ensure vulnerable people access the best medical care available.

“This strategic partnership demonstrates the power of partnership between Government and communities in advancing humane corrections and improving the lives of those entrusted to our care.” Observed the PS.

She said the holistic approach to offender rehabilitation and reformation is meant to ensure that correctional facilities progressively uphold good practice standards aligned with international norms and principles, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, Tokyo Rules, Beijing Rules, Bangkok Rules and the Kyoto Declaration on Advancing Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law (2021).

Among the health reforms the department is undertaking includes the registration of inmates with the Social Health Authority with the PS saying about 60 percent of those targeted have already been registered.

While pledging to support the department in its reformation agenda, Abdulqadir Zakir, the chief protocol officer of the Bohra community said the medical camp was part of the community giving back to society.

He said about 40 medical specialists were on hand to support those seeking services at the facility that boasts an average population of about 4,000 inmates.

During the medical clinic, at least 22 dental extractions were successfully conducted, 75 dental consultations undertaken while at least 7 patients had been identified as requiring cataract surgery and will require appropriate referral and follow-up