Jharkhand Jail Healthcare Fails Women: Urgent Calls for Action

A sharp critique has been leveled against the Jharkhand government concerning the abysmal state of healthcare in its prisons, with a particular focus on the severe neglect of women inmates. The spokesperson articulated that this is not just an administrative oversight but a deliberate and cruel abandonment of female prisoners’ basic health needs. Jharkhand’s jails are currently accommodating more than 16,549 individuals, yet the critical absence of any permanent nursing staff is a damning indictment of government policy. This widespread deficiency directly impedes access to fundamental medical care for all inmates, but disproportionately affects women. The Jharkhand High Court had previously issued a directive for the swift filling of all health-related vacancies, a mandate that seemingly remains unfulfilled months later. Despite recurring interventions from the National Human Rights Commission following inmate deaths, the government’s passive stance continues. For women prisoners, the consequences are particularly grave. The lack of qualified nursing staff means that essential support during menstruation, including access to timely medications and hygiene facilities, is severely lacking. Pregnant inmates are exposed to unacceptable risks, as routine medical monitoring, vital sign checks, and emergency preparedness are non-existent. Women incarcerated with their infants also face perilous conditions, lacking the necessary round-the-clock medical oversight essential for their and their children’s survival. Internal communications, including letters from the Jail Inspector General to the Home Department, have highlighted the critical need for nurses, admitting that 24-hour medical services are impossible without them. Yet, government responses remain stalled. The government’s failure to address the health hardships faced by women in its custody raises serious questions about its ethical obligations and its capacity to provide responsible and humane governance.