1,464 TB Cases in Prisons Highlight Need for Healthcare Reform

A member of the House of Representatives Commission IX, Netty Prasetiyani, has highlighted the discovery of 1,464 tuberculosis (TB) cases in detention centres and prisons, calling it an alarm for the government to strengthen health services. She emphasised that the findings must prompt attention from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections to ensure inmates’ rights to adequate healthcare are fulfilled. While appreciating the government’s efforts in case detection, she stressed that treatment must not stop at discovery. Netty insisted that all patients receive regular medication, proper nutritional support, and continuous monitoring, with collaboration between healthcare workers and correctional officers. She also urged improvements to prison infrastructure, including better ventilation, sanitation, and access to sunlight, to curb transmission in overcrowded facilities. Additionally, she called for comprehensive health education for all inmates to prevent further spread of the disease.