MANILA, Philippines – Naalarma ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sa iniulat na mga kaso ng hinihinalang tuberculosis sa mga persons deprived of liberty sa Pasay City Jail.
Ayon sa CHR, ang “critical public health issue” na ito ay nangangailangan ng agarang aksyon.
Sa ulat, mahigit 400 PDLs sa Pasay City Jail ang mayroon nang TB-like symptoms. Ipinaliwanag ng ahensya na ang findings ay “not yet conclusive” bagama’t ang mga PDL ay naka-isolate na.
“The high number of suspected TB cases among PDLs at Pasay City Jail highlights a critical public health issue that necessitates immediate and comprehensive action. The potential for TB to spread both within the prison population and to the broader community underscores the urgency of addressing this outbreak effectively,” sinabi ng CHR.
Nanawagan ang ahensya sa pamunuan ng Pasay City Hail, Bureau of Correction at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan na “take cognisance of the matter.”
“We reiterate Rule 1 of the Nelson Mandela Rules, also known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which states that all prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.”
“Rule 1 also emphasizes the need to ensure the safety and security of prisoners, staff, service providers, and visitors at all times. Further, this rule requires that PDLs should have access to the same level of medical care and treatment as the general population, including preventive measures and health screenings,” dagdag pa ng CHR.
Upang maiwasan ang kahalintulad na health concerns, nanawagan din ang CHR sa Bureau of Corrections na magpatupad ng routine at comprehensive medical screenings sa lahat ng PDL.
“Access to accurate and rapid diagnostic tools to confirm infectious diseases promptly must also be ensured,” ayon sa CHR. RNT/JGC
