KATHMANDU: The Department of Prison Management has been spending around Rs 80 million annually on the medical treatment of prisoners across the country.

There are approximately 18,000 prisoners in 74 prisons and a huge amount of money is being spent on their health care and treatment, said General Director of the Department Krishna Chandra Ghimire.

Inmates suffering from general diseases are treated inside the prison itself whereas those with major diseases are taken elsewhere including to Central Prison Hospital at Kathmandu, he said.

"Prisoners with mental problems are treated at Patan and Dhulikhel Hospitals and those suffering from cancer at the Chitwan Cancer Hospital," he said.

The Department has mobilised an assistant health worker in each prison and seven doctors for the Central Prison Hospital.