BJMP prepares for ‘summer-related diseases’ in jails

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Tuesday said it is preparing for the possible emergence of summer-related diseases in their facilities.

“Nag-procure ng medicines ang BJMP in preparation for summer-related disease kasi ini-expect ng BJMP na merong surge ng mga skin disease,” BJMP spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera said at a televised public briefing.

(The BJMP procured medicines in preparation for summer-related diseases because we are expecting a surge in skin diseases.)

He added that BJMP staff are also undergoing training in addressing these diseases.

“The BJMP is preparing our intervention to ensure the health and welfare of our PDL in this summer season,” Bustinera told GMA News Online in a message.

Based on their data from March to May 2022, Bustinera said most of the diseases recorded among PDLs were the following:

hypertension - 8,624

boil - 5,653

heat rash - 3,596

gastritis - 2,357

fungal infection - 1,901

So far, Bustinera said persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the BJMP’s custody are in good condition.

The congestion rate is now at 368% with 126,000 PDLs at 478 BJMP facilities across the country, according to Bustinera.

To address this issue, he said the BJMP is repairing and building larger jail facilities.

He also underscored the importance of support from the local government units in order for the BJMP to establish new ones. —VAL, GMA Integrated News