The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Health check-up for prisoners, warders

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Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Health check-up for prisoners, warders

Special Correspondent

CUDDALORE: The inmates of Central Prisons, sub-jails and special cells for women, falling within the jurisdiction of the Tiruchi range, are being covered under the ‘Varumun Kappom Thittam.’ The warders too are screened, according to B.M.Ezra, Deputy Inspector-General of Prisons.

Speaking at the “health-cum-awareness camp” organised in the Parangipettai sub-jail, Mr. Ezra said it was the general tendency among the people to pay more attention to appearance than to health. Such a lack of concern will lead to many physical problems, he said.

Under the ‘Varumun Kappom Thittam,’ specialists are taking the health care services to the doorsteps of the patients. Otherwise, during normal course, the patients would have to wait for long hours to get an appointment with the specialists, he said.

Mr. Ezra called upon the inmates and the Warders to utilise the opportunity to undergo health check-up. Such camps stressed the importance of taking preventive as well as curative measures.

Lifestyle malaise

He cited the sedentary lifestyle as the primary cause for many illnesses. For instance, sitting glued to television sets for hours on end would cause emotional strain and also adversely affect the health.

Therefore, it had become imperative for all age groups to guard against such a tendency, the DIG said.

Mr. Ezra further said many were under the impression that they were immune to diseases. However, to keep good health certain basic tests were to be done periodically, and the camp was intended to serve the purpose, he said.

Later, the DIG inaugurated the mobile library to supply reading materials to the inmates. An awareness programme on free legal aid was also conducted with the help of lawyers. The students of Seva Mandir and members of the Sasi voluntary organisations performed cultural programmes on the occasion.

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