No active Tuberculosis cases among prisoners in Bahrain, confirms Health Ministry

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Health yesterday confirmed that there were no active Tuberculosis cases among inmates in Bahrain's detention facilities.

Replying to a query to The Daily Tribune, the ministry stated that one confirmed case had been isolated at the dedicated quarantine unit at the Salmaniya Medical Complex two weeks ago, and is in a stable condition after receiving the treatment.

The ministry confirmed that all necessary preventative measures have been taken by the Public Health Directorate, per global health protocols, and contracts have been screened for possible infection, with all results indicating that no cross infections have occurred.

“ The relevant health authorities continue to monitor the situation.”

The ministry stressed that access to healthcare for all citizens and residents in court-ordered detention is protected by the Bahraini Constitution and the quality and standard of healthcare provided to inmates is the same as that provided to everyone administered through the public health system.

Last week, dismissing various online and social media reports that originated from abroad, the Health Ministry said an inmate at Jaw Prison diagnosed with Tuberculosis was undergoing treatment and his condition remained stable.

“It is the responsibility of the Health Ministry to take care of the health of inmates at various detention and rehabilitation facilities across Bahrain,” the Health Ministry said in a statement issued last week.

“The condition of the inmate who has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis is stable and he is receiving required medical care,” the ministry statement added.

The ministry added that medical checks are also performed on other inmates, who are vulnerable or susceptible to TB infections to avoid the spread of the disease at the facility.

The ministry pointed out that all regular medical procedures and protocols have been maintained for the inmates in Bahrain to ensure their absolute health status.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the abdomen, glands, bones and nervous system.