The revelation comes directly from Haridwar District Jail Superintendent Manoj Arya, who disclosed the figures to this newspaper. Arya told, “Rigorous health screening protocols are in place for all new inmates entering the prison, including mandatory HIV testing. It was through these routine checks that the infections were detected.””Whenever a prisoner enters the jail, he or she undergoes a complete health screening, including an HIV test,” stated Manoj Kumar Arya to this daily.He further explained that the 23 cases were identified amongst inmates who entered the prison between 2021 and March 2025. “Periodically, among the inmates who arrived, some were found to be infected. The total number of such cases is 23,” Arya confirmed.Senior Superintendent Manoj Kumar Arya of Haridwar Jail conveyed this information in his report to the IG Prisons Administration, highlighting the ongoing health monitoring within the jail and the identification of these cases through established protocols. This is not the first instance of such diagnoses; in 2017, 16 inmates were also found to be HIV-positive.Dr. R.K. Singh, Haridwar Chief Medical Officer, elaborated on the health initiative. “A health camp was indeed set up within the jail premises on Monday, coinciding with World Health Day,” he stated.Dr. Singh added, “Inmates who were unwell received comprehensive medical attention, including blood tests and other vital investigations.” He further explained, “Blood tests and other necessary investigations were performed for ailing inmates. Life-saving medicines were also provided to those in need.”Dr. Singh emphasised the camp’s comprehensive nature, noting that “extensive health screenings, including HIV tests and checks for other critical health indicators, were conducted for all inmates.”
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