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Relative concerned over prisoner’s denial of health care

Apr 13, 2012 News

Although being imprisoned means that an individual has been relieved of his/her right to freedom, it certainly does not extend to the relinquishment of requisite medical care. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation, “prisoners are entitled to the same standard of health as all other members of society.”
However, this crucial right has for months been reportedly withheld from 33-year-old Basil Andre Morgan. Morgan was incarcerated on December 10, 2010, having been found to be associated with criminal elements.
Reports are that he was responsible for transporting a gang of individuals involved in the arson on the Ministry of Health buildings, arson attempt on the Supreme Court and shootings at the Brickdam and East La Penitence Police Stations.
A close relative of the man related to this publication yesterday that since the beginning of this year, Morgan has been suffering from a severe toothache. The relative claims that on numerous occasions the inmate has revealed his condition to prison officials, but to date he has received no medical attention. The matter was even brought to the attention of a Magistrate during one of his court appearances, and assurance was given that the father of two would have been given the necessary medical care. It was revealed to this publication that the Prison Medex had been approached on a number of occasions about the matter and had made several empty promises to address Morgan’s problem.
Morgan made his most recent court appearance yesterday at the Providence Magistrate’s Court but was suffering from increased pain due to the lack of medical care.
According to the distraught relative, who dubs the dilemma a “very disturbing situation within the prison service” persons who are confined to serve time in prison “they are not animals or some sort of waste that you just put somewhere and leave them, these are people just like me and you…”
Reports emanating from persons close to the prison service have indicated that this is not an isolated situation as there are a number of other inmates who are not afforded essential medical care.
“I am asking anyone to put yourself in such a situation…when you are free you have many options to get a toothache taken care of, but when you are in prison you are at the mercy of the prison officials,” the relative lamented.
As such, the relative, who is fearful that Morgan’s pain will develop into an unbearable and untreatable condition, is calling on the relevant authorities to direct attention to the situation.
“I know there are still some persons working right at the prison with a heart, so I am begging that they do the good, humanly thing, and help the inmates who need medical attention.”

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