Set up physiotherapy unit at central jail: Rights panel

Panaji: During a surprise visit to the Colvale Central Jail, the joint secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Samer Kumar, along with the acting chairperson of the Goa Human Rights Commission, noticed the absence of mosquito nets in cells, overflowing sewage chambers, and lack of a physiotherapy unit.The commission instructed superintendent Banudas Gaonkar to follow up with the PWD for the immediate installation of mosquito nets and the completion of pending infrastructure requirements, such as addressing overflowing sewage chambers and setting up a physiotherapy centre.During its visit to the jail last Oct, the commission had urged the jail’s authorities to swiftly address the mosquito problem by installing netted windows.

On this visit, however, it found that this had not been done yet.The commission observed that some inmates could not move their limbs and required assistance for daily tasks, necessitating physiotherapy. It noted that the jail did not have a physiotherapist and that inmates had to be taken to GMC for physiotherapy. The commission recommended that a physiotherapist with a small unit be set up on the premises. It found CCTVs working and cleanliness maintained in the premises and toilets but observed that the building was leaking in some places.

The commission members also interacted with prison inmates and urged the jail administration and prison hospital to monitor the prisoners' health as per the National Human Rights Commission guidelines. The commission stated that even inmates of the jail have human rights that need to be protected.