Question : SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS IN JAILS

(a) whether cases of deaths of prisoners have been reported from the jails of various States;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor along with the total number of prisoners who died and number of those suffering from serious diseases during each of the last three years, State-wise and gender-wise;

(c) whether there is shortage of doctors and medical facilities in the jails; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the details of advisories issued by the Union Government to the State Governments in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRSn (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) & (b): As per data omplied by the National Crime Records Bureau at the end of 2009, 2010 and 2011, a State/UT an gender-wise statement showing number of natural and unnatural deaths of inmates in various jails of country is at Annxure.

(c) to (d): As per data complied by the National Crime Bureau at the end pf 2011, out of sanctioned strength of 1074 posts, ther were 620 Resident Medical Officers/Medical Officers in various jails of the country. “Prisons” is a State subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, and Prison Administration is Primarily the responsaibility of the State Governments . However, a comprehensive advisory dated 17th July 2009 has been issued by the Government on “Prison Administration”, which also provides for steps to be taken by the States/UTs for medical facilities in prisons.