Pokhara, October 18

Inmates of Kaski jail have complained that the prison management allocates minimum budget for inmate medical expenses, and does not supply enough medicines to them.

The management reportedly allocates around Rs 4 to 5 lakhs annually for medical expenses of more than 600 prisoners. The administration said the allocated budget was used up in purchasing simple medicines for minor diseases such as the common cold.

Prison inmates are compelled to seek help of their relatives if they contract more serious diseases. The inmates added that relatives, guardians, and family members need to bear the expenses of any lab tests, operations, or other medical procedures if they are required.

Despite government policy dictating that prison administrations are responsible for all medical expenses of their inmates, the relatives of the inmates often have to bear almost all expenses.

Prison guard Anup Gurung at the prison said that the government has to take responsibility of the overall well-being of all prisoners in jail.

Jailer at the prison Hari Prasad Gautam said that the budget would have to be increased to around Rs 10 lakhs to cover all treatment expenses of prisoners.