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Mizzima
The Political Prisoners Network – Myanmar (PPNM) has called for improved healthcare provisions in Myanmar’s prisons.
Between 1 January and May, 2024, inadequate medical support led to the deaths of at least 24 political prisoners across Myanmar, according to the NGO. The PPNM plea aims to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
The PPNM appeal encompasses the necessity for sufficient medication stocks within prisons and the unrestricted acceptance of foreign medications sent by families.
Additionally, it advocates for adequate healthcare for sick and injured inmates within prison facilities and prompt transportation of critically ill patients to external hospitals.
A former inmate of Kalay Prison said, “The prisoners receive limited medical assistance, typically consisting of Paracetamol, Burmeton, and Civic brand pills. It’s alleged that prison officials embezzle funds allocated for prisoners’ healthcare.”
Reports indicate that prisoners mainly rely on medications nearing expiration, donated by external pharmacies.
Drawing from personal experiences at Kalay Prison, a same former inmate emphasized the high fatality risk associated with medical emergencies due to inadequate medical care.
In emergency healthcare situations of prisoners, only a doctor, a sphygmomanometer, and an oxygen tank are available, lacking sufficient medical equipment and medications.
Moreover, accessing medical treatment involves a time-consuming process, requiring inmates to invest considerable effort.
In the past, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Human Rights Commission conducted prison inspections to address such issues. However, since the coup, the director and director-general of the Prison Department have conducted cursory inspections, resulting in the erosion of prisoners’ rights, as stated by a PPNM official.
To prevent further fatalities among political prisoners due to inadequate medical care, the PPNM launched an online campaign titled “Open lives, not close them” on 2 May.
Former political prisoners, civilians, and activists are encouraged to participate in the campaign by symbolically turning their backs for safety reasons and binding their hands behind them while holding placards with the campaign slogan “Open lives, not close them”.
