79 jail inmates discharged from JJ; 4 still being treated

MUMBAI:

JJ Hospital

on Saturday evening discharged 79

Byculla

jail women

inmates

who were admitted after they complained of dehydration and vomiting on Friday. Four women with low haemoglobin are still undergoing treatment, while an HIV-positive

male

is under observation.

Maharashtra State Commission for Women members visited the jail and met the patients at the hospital. They said they will send a notice to the jail. Hospital sources indicated the infection was probably due to contaminated

water

. Around 7pm, the hospital said three more females and five more males were under observation as they complained of abdomen pain, vomiting, dehydration and loose motions. Hospital sources said this almost negated the possibility of medicines causing a problem. No male inmates were hospitalised.

Advocate Asha Landge said, “We spoke to all inmates in the ward. Around 15 said they had not taken the medicine (doxycycline) but still fell ill.” Representatives had visited the prison in April and released a report on legal aid problems faced by inmates. Vindatai Kirtikar, a member, said, “The women had then only spoken about inept legal aid. We had food and water there, and it seemed hygienic. Now, many complained about food and water given in the last three-four days.” She added, “We will immediately send them a notice and plan a surprise inspection soon.”

JJ dean Dr Mukund Tayade said three pregnant inmates will stay at the gynaecology ward. Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of medicines and head of the medical unit, said, “The male has loose motions and since he is HIV-positive we have to keep him under observation. We are giving blood to those with low haemoglobin and hopefully they will recover soon.”

Dr Aneesh V from the general medicine department said, “Tests on blood samples of inmates showed they had less electrolytes. It could be a monsoon-related bacterial infection.” The discharged inmates have been prescribed medicines relating the gastritis.


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