The Ministry of Home Affairs has written to Principal Secretary (Home/Jails) and DG/IG of all States and Union Territories to take measures as envisaged under the 100 Day Intensified Campaign on TB Elimination for control and curb the prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) inside prisons.
The MHA noted that TB is a significant public health concern in the prisons as have the potential/ risk of becoming a breeding ground for TB transmission, exacerbating the burden of the disease within incarcerated populations and posing a risk to public health upon prisoners’ release and also during their periodic interaction with their visitors. It said that ianadequate screening and lack of awareness are seen as key challenges in controlling TB and urged all States and UTs to engage the prison authorities in taking active steps for comprehensive screening of Prison inmates as well as Prison Officers.
Besides the Ministry has also highlighted the measures envisaged under the 100 Day Intensified Campaign that includes:
- Organising Screening Camps (Nikshay Shivir) in all prisons, covering all prison inmates in consultation with the State Health Department, State TB Officers and District TB Officers during the period 3.02.2025 to 15.02.2025.
- Taking Ni-kshay Shapath (pledge) during the period 27.01.2025 to 02.02.2025.
- Display of Information, Education and Communication (IC) material in all prisons/ offices and organisations.
- Awareness Generation about Tuberculosis in the Staff of Prisons and Correctional Institutions.
