Cuttack: After detection of eight cases in Odisha capital’s Jharpada jail, five inmates of Choudwar Circle Jail Kataka district have tested HIV-positive during routine medical screening.
According to sources, the five HIV-positive inmates at Choudwar jail include three undertrial prisoners (UTPs) and two convicted persons.
After the diagnosis, all five infected i
nmates were shifted to a separate cell as a precautionary measure.
The five inmates are also being provided with antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicines supplied through an ART Centre. Jail officials said the health condition of all five inmates is currently stable.
It may be noted that eight inmates of Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar had earlier tested HIV-positive. The matter came to light after an accused arrested in a rape case was found to be HIV-positive during a medical examination. The affected inmates have been accommodated in separate cells and provided medical care.
With the number of HIV-positive inmates rising, prison authorities have intensified preventive measures to ensure the infection does not spread among the other inmates.
Officials said regular counselling sessions, health awareness programmes and medical camps are being conducted inside the jail.
During entry into the jail, all newly-admitted inmates undergo mandatory medical screening, including various health tests.