For the first time, detaines at the Bureau of Jail Management & Penology in barangay Bajumpandan were treated to a one day medical, dental and surgical mission by the Magdegamo ta Medical Team.
From a population of 546, tooth extractions totaling 94 were rendered by dentists while more than 10 availed of the minor surgical operation. One detainee was thankful the slug from his body was removed during the medical mission.
Dispensing of the medicines was rendered by pharmacists and consultations undertaken by doctors aside from 50 who availed of the free haircut and 35 who were massaged for 15 minutes each. More than 10 inmates also availed of free X-rays.
BJMP District Jail Warden Maj. Pricel Arevalo said he is not only the official jailer but is also a human being that has to look into the physical condition of the inmates.
Arevalo said he is strict when it comes to the operational aspect so contraband items will not find its way inside. But when it comes to the health aspect, it was the initiative of the jail warden to look for ways and means.
Per request of the district jail warden, Gov. Roel Degamo immediately scheduled the medical mission today for 546 detainees as well as for some 100 detainees at the women’s dormitory.
Approval of requests for Court Orders to allow inmates to seek medical attention outside the prison cell normally takes two to three weeks.
Medical requests by inmates are endorsed by the jail to their respective legal counsel, and then forwarded to the Court where their respective case is lodged, and there wait for the approval of the presiding judge. (Judy Flores Partlow)
