I am working on Bangkwang prison in Bangkok. Bangkwang prison is different to other prisons because it is said to have very appalling conditions, a low health care system and a high level of violence. The health issues are very concerning and the families of the inmates and the general public should be exposed to the truth of the matter. The health issues include:
HIV: There is ample evidence that HIV; TB and hepatitis C rates are higher inside prisons and other closed settings than in the general community, just like in Bangkwang prison. (Ref.3) There is a 40-bed hospital and an outpatient clinic. One full-time doctor and another part-time doctor, six registered nurses, six technical nurses, two pharmacists, one laboratory technician, and two x-ray technicians staff health services. In both prisons, all inmates are locked in their cells from 4 pm to 7 am, during which time health staff do not access the cells. In Bangkwang, designated prisoner volunteers provide “first aid” health care during these hours. Drug users in Thailand are the highest risk group for HIV infection. Tattooing is another risk factor for HIV infection. In Bangkwang prison, tattooing equipment is prohibited and therefore it is often shared. Sharpened pens or sewing needles may be used for tattooing and there are no means for sterilisation. (Ref.6) Another great risk for HIV in Bangkwang is unprotected sex between two males. Condoms are not banned from prisons, but the attitude of prison staff towards sex between prisoners influences condom distribution. HIV is a deadly disease, which can spread between humans very fast. It is important for it to be treated as soon as possible.
Overpopulation:
Bangkwang is a maximum-security prison. Its official capacity is 3,500 (males only), but in March 2006 it held 4,922 prisoners, including 870 on death row. Cell sizes - Cells are generally 6m x 4m and contain twenty to thirty inmates. They sleep on the concrete floor (on mats), side by side. Each cell has an open Asian style toilet. Some foreigners are able to secure better conditions, those who have access to Embassy and financial support. (Ref.7) The overcrowding, poor quality and insufficient diet leads to malnutrition.
Lack of nutritious food:
Prisoners are treated to one bowl of vegetables and rice per day, but they're given the option to purchase other food from the prison's canteen. Like most prisons, there's an internal social hierarchy, with poor prisoners doing chores for the wealthier inmates. Some British and Lebanese prisoners that receive extra money via charities, and the British Embassy provide its prisoners with food and vitamins.
Thai prisoners were previously served red rice, while foreign prisoners were served white rice. This practice was discontinued amid cries of discrimination; all prisoners are now served white rice. (Ref.9) Foreign prisoners received better food and treatment than locals. This causes health issues because it can lead to malnutrition and can make it hard for the prisoner’s bodies to fight diseases and illnesses if they are not getting the right nutritious foods.
Dirty water:
Many prisoners have stomach problems due to poor food and dirty water. Clean water and good food is only available to the prisoners that have money. Many of the local Thai prisoner’s do not have the money to afford clean water or good food and therefor end up with diseases and illnesses due to this. (Ref.10) Medicine is only available to those that can pay too. Everything inside has a price, and prisoners – who have to cook for themselves – depend on cash gifts from the outside to buy their daily provisions. A prisoner in Bangkwang says, “We had satellite TV channels for around the last decade, and then seven or eight years ago, instead of washing in dirty river water, we could shower in chlorinated water.” This shows that even know the water is not fresh, and chlorinated water can have affect on the body if it is being swallowed a lot.
HIV: There is ample evidence that HIV; TB and hepatitis C rates are higher inside prisons and other closed settings than in the general community, just like in Bangkwang prison. (Ref.3) There is a 40-bed hospital and an outpatient clinic. One full-time doctor and another part-time doctor, six registered nurses, six technical nurses, two pharmacists, one laboratory technician, and two x-ray technicians staff health services. In both prisons, all inmates are locked in their cells from 4 pm to 7 am, during which time health staff do not access the cells. In Bangkwang, designated prisoner volunteers provide “first aid” health care during these hours. Drug users in Thailand are the highest risk group for HIV infection. Tattooing is another risk factor for HIV infection. In Bangkwang prison, tattooing equipment is prohibited and therefore it is often shared. Sharpened pens or sewing needles may be used for tattooing and there are no means for sterilisation. (Ref.6) Another great risk for HIV in Bangkwang is unprotected sex between two males. Condoms are not banned from prisons, but the attitude of prison staff towards sex between prisoners influences condom distribution. HIV is a deadly disease, which can spread between humans very fast. It is important for it to be treated as soon as possible.
Overpopulation:
Bangkwang is a maximum-security prison. Its official capacity is 3,500 (males only), but in March 2006 it held 4,922 prisoners, including 870 on death row. Cell sizes - Cells are generally 6m x 4m and contain twenty to thirty inmates. They sleep on the concrete floor (on mats), side by side. Each cell has an open Asian style toilet. Some foreigners are able to secure better conditions, those who have access to Embassy and financial support. (Ref.7) The overcrowding, poor quality and insufficient diet leads to malnutrition.
Lack of nutritious food:
Prisoners are treated to one bowl of vegetables and rice per day, but they're given the option to purchase other food from the prison's canteen. Like most prisons, there's an internal social hierarchy, with poor prisoners doing chores for the wealthier inmates. Some British and Lebanese prisoners that receive extra money via charities, and the British Embassy provide its prisoners with food and vitamins.
Thai prisoners were previously served red rice, while foreign prisoners were served white rice. This practice was discontinued amid cries of discrimination; all prisoners are now served white rice. (Ref.9) Foreign prisoners received better food and treatment than locals. This causes health issues because it can lead to malnutrition and can make it hard for the prisoner’s bodies to fight diseases and illnesses if they are not getting the right nutritious foods.
Dirty water:
Many prisoners have stomach problems due to poor food and dirty water. Clean water and good food is only available to the prisoners that have money. Many of the local Thai prisoner’s do not have the money to afford clean water or good food and therefor end up with diseases and illnesses due to this. (Ref.10) Medicine is only available to those that can pay too. Everything inside has a price, and prisoners – who have to cook for themselves – depend on cash gifts from the outside to buy their daily provisions. A prisoner in Bangkwang says, “We had satellite TV channels for around the last decade, and then seven or eight years ago, instead of washing in dirty river water, we could shower in chlorinated water.” This shows that even know the water is not fresh, and chlorinated water can have affect on the body if it is being swallowed a lot.