CEBU CITY JAIL INMATES WITH SERIOUS ILLNESSES TO BE SEPARATED

Cebu City Jail inmates who have either human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) might soon be isolated from the rest of the facility’s population. Councilor Dave Tumulak will discuss the matter with the Department of Health and the City Health Department. In a report submitted by Jail Supt. Arnel Peralta, 136 inmates are diagnosed with HIV, 32 with PTB and 24 are psychiatric cases. The jail currently houses 4,174 inmates. Since the beginning of the year, 16 inmates have died inside the jail due to different illnesses. Peralta said they’ve already placed PTB sufferers in one cell.

Due to the number of inmates suffering from different illnesses, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak wants to separate detainees who have been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Tumulak will meet officials from the Department of Health (DOH) and the City Health Department (CHD) to discuss the matter since the number of inmates with contagious illnesses is "alarming.”

"We will request DOH and CHD to separate these inmates who acquired HIV and tuberculosis to secure the other inmates," he told reporters.

In a report submitted by Jail Warden Supt. Arnel Peralta, there are 136 inmates who are diagnosed with HIV; 32 diagnosed with PTB; and 24 who are psychi- atric cases.

At present, the jail houses 4,174 inmates.

Of the 136 inmates with HIV, 88 are undergoing medication, 45 are for follow-ups and three have refused treatment.

Of the 32 inmates with PTB, eight are multi-drug resistant while one is extensively drug-resistant.

From January to March 29, 16 inmates have died inside the jail due to different illnesses.

Peralta, for his part, said they conducted initial interventions to prevent several diseases from spreading.

Inmates with PTB, who have not been treated, were detained in one cell.

"We are hopeful that the City can assist us and provide us with doctors," Peralta said.

We are hopeful that the City can assist us and provide us with doctors. SUPT. ARNEL PERALTA Cebu City Jail Warden