A groundbreaking study has revealed that prisoners in India face a significantly higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population. The study, which examined the prevalence of TB in prisons worldwide, found that the incidence of TB in Indian prisons is five times higher than that of the general population. Specifically, there were 1,076 cases of TB per 100,000 inmates in Indian prisons, while the incidence rate in the general population is 210 cases per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization’s TB report for 2022.
One of the main factors contributing to the high incidence of TB in prisons is overcrowding and inadequate ventilation. Dr. Raj Kumar, director of the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute at the University of Delhi, emphasized the importance of regular health screening by authorities to prevent the spread of the disease. However, a previous study conducted in 2017 found that diagnostic and treatment services for TB were only available in 18% and 54% of prisons in India, respectively.
A recent study examined TB incidence among prisoners in 193 countries, revealing that 125,105 out of 11 million incarcerated individuals developed TB globally in 2019. This corresponds to a rate of 1,148 cases per 100,000 people per year, which is significantly higher than the global incidence rate among the general population, which stands at 127 cases per 100,000 people per year. However, the study also highlighted that only 53% of all TB cases in prisons globally were detected, indicating a need for improved case detection and management within correctional facilities.
In summary, the study underscores the urgent need for measures to address the high burden of TB among prisoners in India and globally. Implementing regular health screenings, improving access to diagnostic and treatment services, and addressing issues of overcrowding and ventilation in prisons are crucial steps to combat the spread of TB within correctional facilities.