Former Sittwe inmates in Pathein Prison lack healthcare services

By Admin 04 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 December 2024, Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region

Political prisoners from Arakan State's Sittwe Prison who were transferred to Pathein Prison in neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region are among many inmates struggling with health problems including chronic illnesses, skin diseases and other ailments requiring medical attention that is lacking, according to family members.

Prisoners suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and skin problems are unable to receive proper medical treatment in prison, and their families are not allowed to visit more than once a month, making it difficult for them to get their regular medications.

"Inmates transferred to Pathein from Sittwe Prison are having a hard time. Another thing is that it is winter; some prisoners are suffering from numbness and tingling. Others, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and weak nerves, are not even allowed to take medicine. Those with skin diseases are only allowed to take cetirizine," said the wife of an inmate from Byaing Phyu Village in Sittwe Township.

The regime transferred about 400 political prisoners from Sittwe Prison to Pathein Prison in the second week of October.

As the prisoners were transferred hundreds of miles away from the Arakan State capital, some family members are having difficulty making prison visits due to travel and financial constraints.

Prison visits are allowed once a month, and there are restrictions on the supplies that they can provide, according to family members of prisoners.

The Prison Manual stipulates that every inmate has the right to receive appropriate healthcare while incarcerated and is entitled to a prison visit once a week.

"Pathein Prison, unlike Sittwe Prison, has many restrictions for prisoners. Prisoners are not allowed to bring food into the prison for a month. Prisoners are only allowed to bring seven small packets of coffee mix and a small amount of cookies. Pathein Prison also has many other restrictions for prisoners," said a family member of an inmate who has been jailed under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, an incitement provision frequently used to prosecute dissent.