• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Several Bacolod councilors are pushing for the establishment of a primary healthcare center in the three jail facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to ensure accessible and continuous healthcare services for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The proposed ordinance, expected to be approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on third and final reading soon, seeks to ensure uninterrupted basic healthcare for PDLs in the Metro Bacolod District Jail Male Dormitory, its annex, and the Metro Bacolod District Jail Female Dormitory Annex.
Authored by Councilor Em Ang, with councilors Caesar Distrito, Celia Matea Flor, and Psyche Marie Sy as co-authors, the proposed locally-funded jail clinic shall be equipped with necessary medicines and equipment for PDL use.
“The establishment of an in-house healthcare facility will mitigate security risks, logistical constraints, and public exposure arising from the frequent transport of PDLS,” the proposed ordinance stressed. “Establishing a primary healthcare center within the BJMP jail facilities will significantly improve the health and wellbeing of PDLs, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and promote rehabilitation.”
The proponent-councilors took note that the BJMP has the manpower, including physicians, nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, and other allied health professionals, to provide healthcare services to PDLs. “However, funding for medicines and equipment remains insufficient”, thus the proposal approved on second reading last SP session.
The proposed ordinance aims to ensure that PDLs have access to quality, uninterrupted healthcare; institutionalize regular medical visits, disease surveillance, and preventive health programs within BJMP facilities; and ensure the provision of gender-responsive healthcare services, including obstetric and gynecological care for female PDLs, among others.
The primary healthcare center shall have essential equipment and medicines, including antibiotics, analgesics, and antihypertensive medications; as well as ensure access to maternal and reproductive healthcare services for female PDLs. | CGC
