Lucknow: 36 Inmates Lodged In District Jail Test Positive For HIV Infection

As many as 36 inmates in Lucknow District Jail tested positive for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) infection after health tests were conducted by the state Health Department in December 2023. The health screening of prisoners was carried out on the orders of the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS).

The total number of prisoners infected with HIV infection in the Lucknow District Jail has now increased to 47 as 11 prisoners had earlier tested positive for HIV, reported news agency IANS. However, NDTV reported a higher number stating that 63 prisoners in the jail are infected with the deadly virus. 

Officials stated that the majority of the inmates who were found infected were individuals with a history of drug abuse. The jail authorities claimed that the majority of the inmates were infected with the virus through the use of contaminated syringes, which were administered to them outside the prison premises. They also added that no prisoner contracted HIV after entering the prison.  

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The jail administration has initiated counselling for the infected prisoners as part of the prisoner’s treatment. A jail official said that the diet of infected prisoners has also been increased and HIV-positive prisoners have been kept under the observation of doctors. 

The authorities are now more vigilant after more cases were reported and allowed dietary changes for the infected people. All the prisoners found positive have been kept under the observation of doctors. They are receiving treatment at KGMU's Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, said Ashish Tiwari, Jail Superintendent Lucknow.