Round-the-Clock Prison Healthcare, Mental Wellness Push in Maharashtra Jails
Nagpur: Maharashtra's prison department is ramping up inmate welfare with
round-the-clock medical care
, mental health services, and access to educational and vocational programmes. The state has also introduced hot water systems, washing machines, and video conferencing units in many jails to improve living conditions.This was detailed in an affidavit submitted by principal secretary Radhika Rastogi before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court in response to a writ petition concerning prison reforms filed by Nanded-based undertrial Sachin Lone through counsel Ratna Singh.According to the affidavit, 24-hour medical staff is now available at every prison.
"Specialists from district general hospitals regularly visit jails for dermatological, ophthalmic, and other medical needs," it notes. Additionally, psychologists and psychiatrists are being deputed via the public health department and also sourced from district hospitals.To further enhance healthcare, 261 new posts have been created for medical officers, lab technicians, attendants, and mental health professionals. Plans are in motion to appoint X-ray specialists, physiotherapists, and dentists at all central jails. These steps aim to reduce the need for external hospital visits and promote in-house care.The affidavit also emphasises mental wellness through counselling sessions and creative engagement. Educational and skill-building courses — both short and long-term — have been introduced to prepare inmates for reintegration into society. These include literacy programmes, IT training, tailoring, and carpentry.For improved family and court interaction, video conferencing facilities are installed across all prisons. These units are being used extensively not just for trials and hearings, but also for inmates to connect with relatives, especially those unable to travel.Display screens have been installed in common areas to inform prisoners about services and rights. "This promotes transparency and encourages inmates to access available support mechanisms," the affidavit states.Seasonal improvements have also been implemented — hot water systems are in place for winters, and fans and clean drinking water units are being maintained regularly. Washing machines have been introduced in many prisons to improve hygiene standards.Rastogi also cited Maharashtra's compliance with Supreme Court guidelines and human rights directives, highlighting the state's progressive shift toward correctional, rather than punitive, incarceration."Efforts are ongoing to humanise prison conditions and ensure that basic rights of inmates are preserved while they undergo their sentences," she added.INFOMaharashtra Jails: Round-the-Clock Healthcare & Wellness Push24x7 Medical Services Introduced:- Medical staff now available 24/7 in every prison- Specialist visits from district hospitals (dermatology, ophthalmology etc)- Psychiatrists & psychologists deputed via public health department- New Posts Created: 261 for medical officers, lab technicians, attendants & mental health professionalsFuture Appointments Planned:- X-ray specialists- Physiotherapists- Dentists at all central jailsMental Wellness & Rehabilitation Programs:- Regular counselling sessions for inmates- Creative & psychological engagement promoted- Education & Skill-building courses include:- Literacy classes- IT training- Tailoring- Carpentry- Focus: Reintegration into societyEnhanced Connectivity & Court Access:- Video Conferencing Units installed across all prisons- Used for court hearings- Enables inmates to connect with families remotely- Display Screens in common areas to inform about rights and services- Promotes transparency & access to supportInfrastructure & Living Condition Upgrades:- Hot Water Systems for winter months- Fans & Clean Drinking Water maintained year-round- Washing Machines introduced in many prisons to improve hygiene
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