Prisons can manage inmates with varying health conditions, says Faishal Ibrahim

Prisons here have an adequate healthcare system and protocol to treat inmates, and they can manage those with varying conditions.

- David Sun Crime Correspondent

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim gave this assurance in Parliament on Sept 25 after two Workers' Party MPs asked about healthcare services for prison inmates.

WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) asked about prison facilities in the light of the recent sentencing of billionaire property tycoon Ong Beng Seng.

WP's Mr Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) had initially asked a parliamentary question about whether the prisons would review their facilities and procedures to give the public confidence in their ability to handle prisoners with serious health conditions who are prone to infections.

Associate Professor Faishal replied that in cases of inmates with complex medical conditions, medical experts may advise if there is a need for highly specialised treatment not available in the Prison Medical Complex.

He said it is not sensible for the prisons to be outfitted exactly like public healthcare institutions (PHIs) and national specialty centres, with the same type of medical expertise.

But in cases where such specialised treatment is required, inmates may receive treatment at these institutions and centres.

Ms Lim then asked a supplementary question relating to Mr Ong's case.