MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered comprehensive medical assessment of all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) following an increase in amoebiasis cases, most of which were recorded at the prison's Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC).
The directive came after the NBP Hospital submitted an epidemiological report prepared by Medical Officer Kristoffer Solis and endorsed by Directorate for Health and Welfare Services chief Ma. Cecilia Villanueva.
The report showed that 95 amoebiasis cases were recorded from January to June, with 92 cases, or 96.84 percent, detected at the RDC, where newly committed PDLs were housed for up to 60 days. The remaining three cases involved one inmate from the Maximum Security Camp and two from the Medium Security Camp.
BuCor said the findings pointed to the need for immediate measures to prevent further transmission within the prison.
The RDC serves as the entry facility for newly admitted inmates, who undergo a five-day quarantine before completing a 55-day orientation, medical evaluation and initial security classification.
Catapang directed prison officials to sustain strict sanitation and cleanliness measures and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including sulfur soap.
He also ordered the Directorate for Health and Welfare Services to conduct regular medical consultations and closely monitor the health condition of PDLs.
The BuCor chief said the measures were intended to manage existing cases, reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health of the prison population.
