An encounter with PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty)

Persons deprived of liberty are a group of people who were put behind bars due to untoward acts with due process under the existing laws. Freedom is the payment for their unlawful deeds. Sad to say, here in our country, inmates are not just deprived of freedom. Once they step behind bars, they are also disadvantaged by other privileges.

One of the main privileges that PDLs are also deprived is the right of health. Health that should be given even for those who are detained inside the jail. Still they are human beings needs to care especially those who are sick. One that pinches my heart is that there are still old detainees who refuse for their freedom reasoning that they have no family outside that will take good care of them.

Fortunately for the inmates, a movement was created that is spearheaded by the Regional DOH Office-MiMaRoPa in partnership with Provincial Health Office of Oriental Mindoro, Provincial Jails, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and other stakeholders to provide health services among inmates. Included in the services are the TB mass screening and treatment, HIV counseling and testing, mental health assessment and other medical needs.

We brought mobile X-ray machine for the on the spot diagnosis, HIV counselors equipped of providing initial tests and trained health personnel to conduct mental health assessments. Out of 1640 inmates, 260 individuals were detected to have tuberculosis. Reason for the easy spread of the disease is the congested setting of the facilities and without proper air ventilation. Three inmates were identified to be HIV reactive and promptly given proper counseling. Identifications of these three HIV reactive inmates were securely kept for the confidentiality of their reason and to avoid instances of stigma. And numerous inmates were found to have problems with mental/emotional issues. Some were seen to have suicidal aura and depression. These inmates were submitted to counseling and debriefing.

Happiness was seen in the face of every inmate upon the conduct of the activity. They felt that they were given a chance to experience the privilege of health services. Their smiles are a sign that they appreciated the efforts that were given to them. The only consequence of their unlawful acts should only be a deprivation of liberty and as a human being, like us, other rights and privileges should still be given.

Prisoners, yes they acted unlawfully, but still they are a human being created like us that should be treated in humane ways.

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