Jordan officials discuss better health care for detainees

AMMAN — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) concluded a four-day conference on Thursday covering the health care at detention and correctional centres. 

ICRC in corporation with Jordan's Public Security Department and the Ministry of Health organised the third regional conference, attended by 24 prison authority representatives and health-care professionals working in such facilities from across the region.

The conference provided a forum for the participants to discuss issues that lie at the core of their work, including medical ethics and the role of doctors in places of detention, security constraints, inmates on hunger strikes and the effect of prolonged solitary confinement. 

ICRC specialists shared their expertise and explained the challenges faced by officials and healthcare personnel working in places of detention. 

“The ICRC is committed to continuing to work closely with the Jordanian authorities in support of their efforts to deliver the best possible medical care in places of detention,” Frédéric Fournier, head of the ICRC delegation in Jordan, said.

According to Raed Aburabi, who coordinates the ICRC's health activities in Jordan, “decent health care in detention facilities in any country can only be achieved through collaboration between the detaining authority and the ministry of health”. 

He added that the conference’s regional perspective had allowed the participants to discuss the challenges, experiences and solutions in different countries with a view to improving access to health care for people deprived of their liberty. 

The ICRC visits detainees worldwide to monitor their conditions and treatment. The committee also works closely with the detaining authorities and medical personnel in various countries to improve health-related services in detention facilities.