BJMP: Updated health records of PDLs assures proper medical care


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The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is keeping an updated health records of all the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under its custody to ensure that appropriate medical care is provided to them when the need arises.

Through the updated health records, the BJMP said this will enable them to address the health challenges of the PDLs that “continuously improve jail healthcare services.’’

The BJMP highlighted the formal handover of the Health Information System (HIS) Project, which is a collaboration between the bureau and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

In a statement, the BJMP recognized the ICRC for its key role in supporting the development and rollout of the HIS Project, aimed at improving healthcare services in the bureau’s facilities nationwide.

“The HIS Project ensures that all persons deprived of liberty (PDL) undergo thorough medical screening and assessment upon entry into detention facilities, with their health records meticulously documented,’’ the BJMP stressed.

The BJMP explained that the HIS Project ensures that all PDLs are medically screened and assessed upon entry into detention facilities, with their health histories and concerns meticulously documented. 

Citing the ICRC’s support to the HIS project, BJMP chief Director Ruel Rivera stressed that the PDLs’ comprehensive records will guide decision-makers in crafting data-driven healthcare policies for the jail system.

"We thank the ICRC for its generosity in funding the entire initiative for training our implementors and for intentionally capacitating the bureau in terms of its health services,"  Rivera said. 

The BJMP revealed that this initiative allows for a more data-driven and effective approach to healthcare in detention facilities and provides valuable data that will be shared with the Department of Health (DOH) for health surveillance.

“With the full implementation of the HIS, the BJMP is now more confident in its ability to provide better healthcare for PDLs. As the system becomes fully operational, the generated data will enable the Jail Bureau to address health challenges more effectively and ensure continuous improvement in jail healthcare services,’’ the BJMP continued.