Pollsmoor prisoners at risk of getting TB
By Celeste Ganga
02 July 2007
Thousands of inmates at Pollsmoor prison are at risk of becoming infected with the multiple drug-resistant- tuberculosis (MDR –TB) and possibly even extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
The discovery comes after an investigation conducted by Judge Nathan Erasmus, into Pollsmoor’s health care system.
The reports of the investigation showed that the few on-duty staff members often battled to meet the requirements of sick prisoners for whom no records of TB or HIV infection could be established.
It has also been reported that staff had no more TB respirators available.
According to reports more than 7,000 prisoners have been tested for the disease, but many unknown cases were reported among prisoners.
Government officials have either refused to comment or were not available for comment.
Western Cape Correctional Services spokesperson, Mark Solomons, was not available for comment.
02 July 2007
Thousands of inmates at Pollsmoor prison are at risk of becoming infected with the multiple drug-resistant- tuberculosis (MDR –TB) and possibly even extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
The discovery comes after an investigation conducted by Judge Nathan Erasmus, into Pollsmoor’s health care system.
The reports of the investigation showed that the few on-duty staff members often battled to meet the requirements of sick prisoners for whom no records of TB or HIV infection could be established.
It has also been reported that staff had no more TB respirators available.
According to reports more than 7,000 prisoners have been tested for the disease, but many unknown cases were reported among prisoners.
Government officials have either refused to comment or were not available for comment.
Western Cape Correctional Services spokesperson, Mark Solomons, was not available for comment.
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