Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 13: Prison Ministry India (PMI), Mangaluru Unit, in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, organised a general health check-up camp for inmates at the District Jail, Jail Road, Mangaluru, on August 13.
Inaugurating the camp, jail superintendent Sharanabasappa emphasised that a prison should be viewed as a 'Correction Centre', where individuals are given an opportunity to reflect on their mistakes, reform their lives and return to society as responsible persons.
“Sometimes, due to various circumstances or ignorance of the law, people make mistakes and are sent here to amend their ways. Health is also an important aspect of correction. When the body and mind are healthy, a person is in a better disposition to listen, reflect and change,” he said.
The superintendent appreciated the humanitarian services rendered by Prison Ministry India, particularly its regular visits and various programmes aimed at the rehabilitation and empowerment of inmates. These include skill-development and vocational training programmes such as bag making, hair-band making, beautician courses and other initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, spiritual director of the Prison Ministry India, Mangaluru unit, thanked the jail authorities for their warm welcome and continued cooperation in organising health, skill-development and other welfare programmes for the inmates. He also expressed gratitude to Father Muller Medical College for its support in conducting the medical camp.
A total of 123 inmates benefited from the camp. The services included general health check-ups for 75 inmates, skin examinations for 48, malaria blood tests for 48, and blood sugar tests for 11 inmates. Of the beneficiaries, 115 were men and eight were women. The women inmates were also given awareness on breast cancer.
The programme was attended by Donald D'Souza, PMI coordinator, Sr Jyotsna, AC, the secretary, office-bearers of Prison Ministry India, and officials of the District Jail.
The initiative reflected the shared commitment of the prison authorities, Prison Ministry India and Father Muller Medical College towards promoting the physical, mental and overall well-being of inmates as an integral part of their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.