Medical Rehabilitation Services for Addict Prisoners Confined in District Jail Lahore

Abstract

Introduction: Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of crime. The quality of health care in prisons is patchy around the country and do not meet the needs required. Rehabilitation is a planned intervention that attempts to change or alter whatever aspects cause addiction and to reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the medical related rehabilitative services rendered by prison department for addicted prisoners and to formulate recommendations for improvement of rehabilitation services in prisons.

Study Design: Observational Study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in District Prison Lahore in February, 2011.

Materials and Methods: Total population of District Jail Lahore was 4330 out of which 1072(24.8%) were addicted prisoners. Out of 1072, 218 addicted prisoners were randomly selected for the study. Majority of addict prisoners 153 (70.2%) were 21-40 years old while 127 (58.3%) were illiterate. 179 (82.1%) addict prisoners were in habit of using opiate derivatives. 137 (62.8%) addict prisoners were not provided with detoxification treatment upon entry into to prison. 120(55%) addict prisoners were provided medical facilities after delay of many hours. Personal hygiene was good while orodental hygiene was just satisfactory.

Results: Illiteracy, scarcity of resources, low socio-economic status and poverty were the major factors that motivated them to start taking drugs. Literacy rate should be increased, vocational training, health education and proper job opportunities should be provided to young population to overcome the problem of drug addiction.

Conclusion: Addict prisoner must have access to doctors and treatment must be provided to them without delay as loosing freedom should not mean losing health. Drug trafficking in Jail should be controlled. Addiction should be treated as a disease and not as a sin which will help addicts to keep them away from drugs.