In a bid to ensure that even persons in custody have access to basic healthcare, local health workers teamed up with jail authorities to deliver medical services to inmates in Brooke's Point, Palawan.

The initiative, held at the BJMP Brooke’s Point District Jail, is part of a continuing collaboration between local health offices and jail personnel across the MIMAROPA region.

They echo similar programs in other provinces that aim to protect inmates’ health, curb disease outbreaks, and promote rehabilitation.

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and the Municipal Health Office (MHO) conducted blood pressure checks, tuberculosis awareness campaigns, malaria screenings, and distributed hygiene kits and insecticide-treated nets to 50 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Grocery packs were also given to supplement their daily needs.

BJMP Mimaropa Regional Information Officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said the program affirms that “health is a right, not a privilege.”

“Even within jail walls, we must ensure that every person has access to essential health services. It’s a vital step toward rehabilitation and dignity,” he said.

The BJMP said they have been ramping up coordination with local governments to roll out similar activities, especially in remote or underserved areas where detention facilities have limited in-house medical staff.