HIV-Positive Inmate Detected at Jharpada Jail, Count Rises to Nine

Bhubaneswar: The number of HIV-positive inmates at Jharpada Central Jail has risen to nine after a newly admitted prisoner tested positive during a routine medical examination conducted before his entry into the correctional facility.

Sources said the accused was arrested by the Khandagiri police on Thursday and produced before a local court, which subsequently remanded him to judicial custody at Jharpada Central Jail.

As part of the mandatory admission process, the inmate underwent a comprehensive medical screening. During the health assessment, he was found to be HIV positive, prompting jail authorities to initiate the prescribed medical protocol.

Officials stated that eight inmates in the prison had already been diagnosed with HIV. With the latest detection, the total number of HIV-positive prisoners lodged in the jail has increased to nine.

Jail authorities said the inmate will be provided with appropriate medical care, counselling, and regular health monitoring in accordance with the State Health Department’s guidelines. They also added that periodic health screenings and awareness programmes continue to be conducted within the prison to ensure timely detection and proper management of communicable diseases.